Online Sexual Violence


Internet is a powerful tool for everyone and has greatly improved our lives.


However, many offenders of sexual violence have started using the internet to reach their victims.

 

Among other things, offenders who use the internet to commit sexual violence can:

  • In social media, send sexual-based comments that make the victim uncomfortable;

  • Send photos of their genitals to the victim, leaving them frightened;

  • Ask the victim for intimate photos, and then eventually use this data to blackmail and threaten the victim into asking for more photos/videos, money, goods or other advantages;

  • Convincing the victim to meet them for sexual acts;

  • ...

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We must always remember that what goes on the internet stays there forever!

Therefore, it is important to be careful about what you do online:

  • Do not chat with those you do not know: athe conversation may seem very interesting, but it is very easy to chat with someone and, even without wanting to, reveal a lot of data about your life. Are you sure you know who is on the other side? What if the photos he/she sends you about him/her are not real? This person may start deceiving you until they obtain photographs and videos of you with which they can then threaten you, blackmail you or try to obtain money.

  • Don't share content of an intimate nature, yours or anyone else's

  • Do not produce this content under any pretext: they are not proof of love or healthy pranks

  • What you share today with a person who may even be trustworthy, tomorrow may be the reason why they get upset and there is some form of revenge with the sharing of these images – have you ever thought how your life would change if this happened?

  • If you receive intimate images of other people, don't share them: will that person know what is going on? How would you feel? Alternatively, report the content so that it can be removed or speak to someone who can help you do this.

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These are some signs that a child or youngster may be a victim of sexual violence online, taking into account the behaviour of the person they are talking to:

  • The person pays a lot of attention to you and makes very nice comments
  • The person asks you for naked or partially naked pictures/videos
  • The person asks you to keep their conversations private
  • Prefers using private chats (whatsapp, facebook messenger)
  • Insistently (and sometimes very quickly) wants to talk about sex
  • If you don't do what they want, they change their mood quickly
  • Tells you that the webcam is broken so that you can't see him/her

(adapted from Europol)

Think again: if you don't want to, say no!

Disclaimer

Some of the information on this website has been simplified so that it can be understood by everyone. This simplification does not, however, put in question the accuracy and correctness of the contents. The content of this website was created by APAV as part of the CARE plus project, funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. The content reflects the point of view of APAV, which cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.