Online sexual abuse refers to any form of sexual exploitation or harassment that occurs through digital platforms, such as social media, websites, messaging apps, or online games.
The act of building an emotional connection with a child or vulnerable individual to manipulate, exploit, or abuse them.
Sending unsolicited sexual messages, explicit images, or threats via online communication.
Using online platforms to exploit children for sexual purposes, including the sharing of explicit images or videos.
(Also known as 'revenge porn') The sharing or distribution of intimate images or videos without consent, often with malicious intent.
Threatening to release sexual images or videos unless the victim complies with demands, often for money or additional explicit content.
Taking proactive steps to protect yourself and others from online sexual abuse is essential. Here are some tips to reduce risk:
Avoid oversharing on social media and ensure your privacy settings are set to restrict access to your personal details. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication on accounts.
Learn about digital safety tools, and make sure your devices are equipped with antivirus software and firewalls. Familiarize yourself with the signs of online grooming and exploitative behavior.
For parents or guardians: Maintain open conversations with children or teens about online experiences, setting clear boundaries for appropriate online behavior. Encourage safe, respectful communication in all digital interactions.
Most online platforms have systems in place for reporting abuse, inappropriate content, or behavior. Always use these tools if necessary.
EPEC supports survivors of all types of sexual victimization. EPEC advocates can help victims of online sexual abuse through specialized support, safety planning and legal advocacy. Contact an EPEC advocate today at 304.263.8292
When perpetrators use real or AI-generated images, videos or audio to depict intimate or explicit content without someone’s consent, they inflict lasting harm on unconsenting individuals and rob them of contol over thier likeness and voice. Every time someone shares or copies this non-consentual material they perpetrate the abuse.
Threatening to distribute sexual or intimate content of someone without their consent.
Distributing sexual or intimate content of someone without their consent (also known as digitial sexual assault or non-consentual intimate images).
Generating, distributing, and consuming AI-manipulated media that depicts someone in explicit content without their consent (also known as synthetic media abuse, AI-assisted sexual abuse, or non-consentual manipulated intimate material).
Whatever the circumstances, make safety your number one priority. If you believe you or someone else is in immediate danger, CALL 911 and relocate to a safer location.
You don't need to navigate this alone. Contact your local Sexual Assault Crisis Center and reach out to trusted friends or family members for support.
Do your best to preserve evidence of the abuse by saving, printing, or taking screenshots of the abusive material. Try to capture dates, time stamps, and as much identifying information about the perpetrator as possible.
If the abuse occurred on a public website or social media channel, you can report the content to the site's administrator or host. Look for a "report" button near the chat window.
Don't hesitate to contact law enforcement or a lawyer. They can help you understand whether a crime has occurred and if a criminal or civil case is possible.
Find out if you can use the evidence you collected to gain an order of protection that includes contact over social media and other digital platforms.
If you think you are in an abusive relationship, need emergency shelter because of your violent partner or have been sexually assaulted, you can call EPEC 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our hotline is completely confidential. You do not have to give your name to the operator if you don’t want to.