Sexual exploitation and sextortion are forms of technology-facilitated violence. Online sexual exploitation is the actual or attempted abuse of someone in a position of vulnerability by using power or trust to manipulate that person for sexual purposes, monetary gain and/or influence, and it can happen to anyone through the use of internet and digital technology.

Sexual exploitation often follows recognizable patterns. Traffickers skillfully build trust by posing as friends, partners, or mentors, gaining their victims’ confidence through “love bombing” or other manipulative tactics. Once trust is established, they may coerce victims into sexual acts for profit, sometimes using sextortion, where they threaten to release private images if demands aren’t met. This exploitation can happen online through social media or gaming platforms.

Sexual exploitation is happening in our schools, communities and cities across Canada and online. Learn the signs and become an ally. Encourage youth, especially those who identify as male, to speak up and embrace their role as allies.

Whether you are a parent, guardian, caregiver, educator or a youth, there are some important things to consider when someone has confided in you that they are a survivor of online sexual exploitation.