How to Stop Sextortion & Revenge Porn?

Sextortion and revenge porn has increased throughout the years. The reasons for doing revenge porn are endless no matter the person's gender and identity. Revenge porn continues to harm the reputation, self-esteem, self-confidence, and integrity. It leaves emotional despair which sometimes makes them feel hopeless. In some cases, the emotional pain, sadness, and other circumstances make them attempt suicide. 

Revenge porn is a form of cyberbullying, cyber sexual harassment, and emotional abuse. This vengeance towards an ex-boyfriend or ex-husband often occurs online through emails. Attachments of intimate videos and nude pictures are sent with a message asking for money.  However, there are more motives for doing revenge porn. It is not always a financial motive. 

Vengeance is about making them feel ridiculed, guilty, and feel bad about ending a relationship. It makes them feel it is their fault for breaking up or for getting a divorce with them. Yet, when a relationship ends both individuals are responsible for their actions and decisions. Revenge porn is a serious matter that needs to terminate. It must not continue online for future generations. 

After a breakup or a messy divorce, the ex must have a conversation about nude pictures, intimate videos, and intimate voice recordings. Make sure everything is deleted and there are no backup items. Sign a contract with your ex and seek professional advice from a lawyer. Check your online settings, and social media settings, and cover your webcam. Inspect your cell phone for malware and unknown apps.

Keep electronics in another room when you are undressing or taking a bath. Check your cell phone settings and any suspicious activities on your cell phone. Notice if your Wi-Fi turns on by itself, apps that use your Wi-Fi without your permission, and apps that take over your cell phone device. When in doubt, ask your cell phone provider about malware apps and check for malicious activities. If you are being extorted because of revenge porn save all the evidence.

Report it to the social media platforms. Also, report it to cybercrime and authorities. Get a lawyer who specializes in revenge porn, sextortion, and extortion. In this way, you can protect yourself from any further harm. Seek counseling for advice and your mental health. 

Vengeance towards an ex usually happens because of jealousy, obsession, manipulation, possessiveness, and disappointments. These are not the only reasons, but vengeance porn makes them feel satisfaction when it is done to their ex. Regardless of the reasons, revenge porn is not the solution to feeling gratification about ending a relationship. Revenge porn can happen in a friends-plus relationship as well as in situationships. Be careful with any type of relationship. 

Sextortion and revenge porn has increased among preteens and teenagers. Have a conversation with them about not sharing passwords, personal information, and other information that can be used against them. Also, tell them about appropriate and inappropriate pictures for their social media. Peer pressure, fitting in, and teenage relationships are other topics that need to be discussed. Here are website links about revenge porn and the Domestic Violence Hotline. 

Revenge Porn Guide: 

https://www.vpnmentor.com/blog/revenge-porn-guide/ 

Domestic Violence Support-National Domestic Violence Hotline-The Hotline Organization:

Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org)

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