“Sextortion” is a phrase used to describe the type of offending when intimate images, still or video – have been circulated via the internet and/or social media.

The legislation used to deal with this type of crime would inc:

Improper Use of Electronic Communications to cause anxiety  - Malicious Communications (NI) Order 1988

Harassment  Art 2(2) and/or Art 3(1) Protection from Harassment (NI) Order 1997

Blackmail  Sect 20 Theft Act (NI) 1969

If the images involve images of a person under 18 the images may be considered Indecent Images of Children and dealt with under Art 4 of the Protection of Children Order 1978

Depending on the content and context other offences may be identified

Offenders often threaten to upload video recordings to the internet, send the footage to a victim’s family and friends if demands for money are not met.

The risk and threat from online blackmailers is recognised by partner agencies such as the National Crime Agency(NCA), who we are working with to communicate clear and effective advice to protect existing victims and prevent more of us from becoming vulnerable to the manipulative and devastating effects of sextortion.

A range of advice is available for you to help prevent sextortion and its fatal or life-changing consequences while also encouraging greater reporting and reassurance.

Our advice in the first instance is simple- do not send or share intimate images of yourself with anyone and especially with people you do not know. 

 

See our infographic below to find out more. 

 Click on the link below to watch our Sextortion video. 

 Sextortion - animation PSNI.mp4