A message, a photo... and suddenly, you lose control
Sextortion is a combination of the words "sex" and "extortion." The author demands money or forces you to send new photos or videos. In the case of revenge porn, the perpetrator threatens to share intimate images or videos in revenge or publicly humiliate you.
There are two forms of sextortion. In the first case, the perpetrator befriends the victim online by pretending, for example, as someone of the same age, when he or she is part of a criminal network. After a while, the exchanges take a sexual turn. The criminal ends up convincing the victim to send him intimate images. Sometimes, the perpetrators create fake intimate images themselves with the help of artificial intelligence and then threaten to make them public. In exchange for not broadcasting them, they demand new, authentic intimate images or the payment of a sum of money.
In the second case, the victim receives an anonymous email in which the perpetrator claims to have hacked into his computer and to be in possession of compromising images. The threat alone is often enough to put a lot of pressure on the victim.
Fear, shame and panic drive many victims to give in to blackmail and pay, hoping that the perpetrator will stop his actions. Unfortunately, this has the opposite effect: the criminal always demands more. In most cases, it is not a question of an isolated individual, but of criminal networks.
In revenge porn situations, the victim usually knows the perpetrator. This is often a former partner. During the relationship, intimate images were exchanged.
These are then used, out of revenge, to humiliate the victim to his family or friends, or to pressure him to re-establish contact.
What reaction should be adopted?
Whether it is sextortion or revenge porn, the perpetrator expects the victim to be so ashamed and frightened that she will comply with his demands. Do NOT give in to blackmail but gather ALL the evidence: emails, messages, profiles (in case of contact via social networks). Report them immediately to the appropriate platform and file a complaint with the police.
Don't be ashamed: it can happen to anyone. It's not your fault. Don't be alone in this situation: talk about it and seek help from your loved ones or Child Focus, via the free number 116 000, available 24/7. You're not alone; This is how you will regain control.
Also discover the videos of Inspector Sofie Lenaerts dedicated to sextortion and revenge porn.
Payboy
On the occasion of the European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, Child Focus launched the online platform Payboy on 18 November 2025. The latter addresses in detail the issue of sextortion (sexual extortion).
More information: Payboy.be or Child Focus.