You are safe now.
You are capable of healing.
You are not defined by what happened to you.
💡 What is Traditional Sextortion?
This guide is for people (most often women/girls) who have experienced traditional sextortion—a form of exploitation where someone threatens to share your intimate images or sensitive details about you unless you do things they demand.¹
Unlike financial sextortion (which involves demands for money), traditional sextortion usually involves pressure to send more imagery, appear on a livestream, or engage in in-person sexual activity.
It can also overlap with other forms of abuse, like online sex trafficking (when your content is sold) or intimate partner violence (when the abuse is done by a current/former partner).
🧠 Who Are the Survivors?
Anyone can be targeted. Many women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals experience traditional sextortion every year.
There is no “type” of person this happens to—and it is never your fault.
🛡️ How Do I Keep Myself Safe?
1. Stop replying.
It might feel terrifying to cut off contact—especially when they’re threatening you. But the longer you stay in touch, the more power they have. Be certain to block, not just ghost, so it is clear you are not receiving any messages.
Survivors often describe a turning point when they stopped responding. Even if they try to create new accounts, they usually give up once they realize you’re not engaging.
2. Tell someone you trust.
"Reaching out is the best thing you can do. The people around you want what’s best for you… They will not love you any less. They might even gain respect for your courage."
— A survivor²
- If you’re under 18, tell a trusted adult: a parent, teacher, school counselor, coach, therapist, or religious leader.
- If it feels safer initially to talk to someone anonymously, you can reach out to the RAINN Online Hotline (24/7), or text "THORN" to
741741 to connect with a trained counselor at the Crisis Text Line. Both are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
💬 Not sure who to tell or how to start? Message the mods—we can help you figure it out.
- If you’re over 18, it’s still important to tell someone you trust. Shame thrives in silence. Speaking up can take that weight off your shoulders.
You can also start by talking to:
- RAINN Online Hotline
- Texting THORN to 741741 for mental health support through the Crisis Text Line
3. Be cautious about what you share online.
This subreddit gets over a million views each month. Most people here are survivors seeking or giving help—but unfortunately, a few are predators looking to exploit vulnerability.
⚠️ Be especially careful with private chat messages, even if someone seems kind or supportive at first. If anything feels off, trust your gut. Mods are here if you need help evaluating a message or situation.
🧽 How Can I Get My Content Removed?
If you’re under 18:
Use Take It Down, a free NCMEC service that can help remove or prevent the spread of your images on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and others, as well as assisting with automated removal from other sites.
If you content is already posted:
If you’re 18 or older:
Use StopNCII.org to prevent new uploads of your content to most major platforms.
If your content is already posted:
- Report it directly to the platform as nonconsensual intimate imagery (NCII)
- Use the DMCA takedown process for other sites
🛠️ Helpful resources:
- Cyber Civil Rights Initiative Safety Center
- DMCA Takedown Guide (Without My Consent)
📣 I Want to Report. What Are My Options?
1. Local Police
- Fastest and most certain way to get a response from law enforcement to your individual situation
2. NCMEC CyberTipline (Under 18 Content Only)
- Report from anywhere in the world: https://report.cybertip.org
- You'll usually receive a reply from a NCMEC analyst within one business day
- They will forward your case to law enforcement in your area (it may take a few weeks to hear back)
3. FBI (U.S. only)
🚨 If you’re in immediate danger, contact your local police.
💬 Need help figuring out a reporting plan? Message a mod—we’re here for you.
💔 What Emotions Are Common in Survivors?
Being sextorted is a deeply violating experience. Many survivors describe it as life-changing.
You might feel:
- Shame or guilt (even though this was not your fault)
- Hypervigilance/fear of hacking
- Fear of being photographed
- Distress from push notifications or camera apps
- Dissociative experiences
These are all normal trauma responses.
💛 You are not alone.
💛 You are not broken.
💛 You are already surviving.
With support—from professionals, friends, or this community—you can heal from this trauma. Many female sextortion survivors go on to have thriving careers, deep relationships, and joyful lives. That future is still yours.
📚 References
¹ United Nations Population Fund. Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence: A Growing Threat.
² Thorn - Stop Sextortion