Sextortion in the UK: How to Stop it in 2023?

In recent years, sextortion has been on the rise in the United Kingdom. This type of cybercrime involves individuals using intimate images or videos to blackmail victims into providing money or other forms of compensation. Sextortion is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for those affected. But what can be done to stop sextortion in the UK by 2023? Let’s take a look at some possible solutions.

Is Sextortion a Criminal Offence UK?

Yes, in the UK sextortion is a criminal offense and considered revenge porn under section 33 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 which is, “an offense of disclosing private sexual photographs or films without the consent of an individual who appears in them and with intent to cause that individual distress.” This crime is punishable with a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison. Faced with Sextortion: What to Do in the United Kingdom When it comes to sextortion the way victims should respond is the same no matter where they reside. Just like in the United States, sextortion victims residing in the United Kingdom are recommended to report the crime to authorities as soon as it happens. Per the Metropolitan Police’s website, if victims are targeted, they should do the following · Don’t panic, help and support is available. · Don’t pay. · Save the evidence: Take screenshots. Save messages and images. Collect URL links to where the information is being shared online. · Report it to social media companies if communication happened on these channels. For example, Facebook or Instagram. · Report it to your internet service provider. · Block all communication with the person targeting you. You can report sextortion by the following · Online at met.police.uk · By calling 101 · or if you have a hearing or speech impairment, you can use their textphone service on 18001 101.

How to Help Combat Sextortion in the UK?

So, what can be done to help combat this awful crime? Here are some ideas. Increase Education and Awareness about Sextortion One of the most effective ways to prevent sextortion is to educate and raise awareness about it among the public. People need to be made aware of what sextortion is, how it works, and how they can protect themselves from falling victim to it. This could involve campaigns targeted at young people, such as school assemblies or online resources that provide information about sextortion and its potential consequences. It’s also important to ensure that those who are already victims of this crime know where they can turn for help and support. Enforce Stronger Laws Against Sextortion Another key way to stop sextortion in the UK is to strengthen existing laws against this type of crime. Currently, there are no specific laws against sextortion in the UK; instead, perpetrators are prosecuted under existing laws related to blackmail and harassment. While these laws do provide some protection for victims, stronger legislation specifically targeting sextortion would make it easier for law enforcement agencies to prosecute offenders and give victims greater legal recourse against their attackers. Provide More Resources for Victims Finally, more needs to be done to provide resources for victims of sextortion in the UK. This could include providing access to professional counseling services and mental health support as well as offering advice on how best to report extortion crimes and seek legal assistance if needed. Additionally, organizations such as Victim Support offer free support services for anyone who has been affected by crime, including those who have experienced sextortion. Conclusions Sextortion in the UK remains a problem, just as in other countries. However, with increased education about this type of crime, stronger legislation against it, and more resources available for victims, we can work towards stopping it by 2023 – if not sooner! We all must work together – government agencies, law enforcement officials, community leaders – everyone must be part of the solution if we want to tackle this problem head-on and make sure that no one ever falls victim again. Report Sextortion to our Sextortion helpline 24/7