Recent figures from the Crime Victims Helpline have shown a significant increase in reports of “sextortion” cases, a form of cyber blackmail involving the sharing of intimate images. This online crime has become one of the top reasons for people reaching out to the helpline, marking a concerning trend in today’s digital age.
According to Michele Puckhaber, the Chief Executive of the helpline, sextortion primarily impacts young men, with a rise in the number of calls for support and information from this demographic. Victims of sextortion often experience extreme panic, embarrassment, and fear, but it is crucial for them to resist paying the perpetrators as it usually leads to further demands.
The helpline advises victims not to give in to the demands and reassures them that there are resources available to help remove any intimate images shared online. In addition to sextortion, there has also been an 81% increase in calls related to LGBTQ and racist hate crimes, indicating a growing concern in society.
As cases of harassment and assault continue to be reported, it is evident that more support and awareness are needed to address these online and offline crimes effectively.
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