In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people who fall victim to extortionists on dating and hookup apps. Online spaces can be particularly dangerous for young people, who may be targeted by extortionists or fall victim to image-based sexual abuse. We spoke to Galway Rape Crisis Centre (GRCC) to find out more about how image-based sexual abuse and extortion can impact LGBTQ+ minors in Ireland.

To better understand these phenomena, it is important to have a clear definition of the two. Defined as “non-consensual creation and/or distribution of private sexual images”, image-based sexual abuse also includes threats and pressure to share images or using images to control or dictate someone’s behaviour.

As GRCC clarified, we speak of extortion in cases where “an explicit image is shared (consensually or under coercion) and the person receiving the image uses it to manipulate that person into doing things: having sex, sending money, or even placing pressure on the options they have i.e. not being able to break up with someone for fear they will then send the images out.”

“Language is hugely important in this,” a spokesperson for GRCC said. “People around Ireland are living in shame, fear and worry because words like “nudes” and “d**k pic” are all quite trivial words and lessen the experience of survivors. They can make reporting or accessing support difficult. Image-based sexual abuse is serious, it does have an impact, and you can get support from your local rape crisis centre.”

“For young people worldwide, sexual exploration and investigation are a natural part of life. Young people who do not have access to accurate and comprehensive information from trustworthy resources may try and find those in unverified or unregulated channels,” they said.

Recently, there has been an increase in the so-called “gamification” of online sex, with adverts for explicit roleplay games popping up frequently on platforms such as YouTube and other social media. “With colourful characters and appealing designs, you could assume they are designed to attract a younger audience,” GRCC explained. “Under 18s can be drawn into a world that they are not yet ready to be in. Their motivation and intent can be exploration and information gathering, but it may also leave them vulnerable to predatory people online, locally and worldwide.”

LGBTQ+ minors can be particularly vulnerable to such forms of abuse. According to research conducted by Belong To in 2022, LGBTQ+ youth in Ireland experience isolation, social ostracisation and bullying at higher rates than their non-queer counterparts. “The social connection they can find in online communities can be a lifeline, especially for rural queer youth. It gives them belonging, purpose and a chance to build relations,” GRCC said.

LGBTQ+ young people might find safety in the possibility of remaining anonymous online. However, that also leaves them vulnerable to being targeted by ill-intentioned people. “The person they are communicating with may not have the same positive intentions and might suggest they do things to ‘prove’ their commitment to them,” GRCC explained. 

“A secondary issue with younger people, especially LGBTQ+ youth, is that they are more likely to NOT seek help. Not being out, shame, blame, ‘dealing with it’ themselves… There are a number of reasons why someone may not disclose this or access help,” the spokesperson added. “And of course, they may not even know it is illegal, or that there is help and support available to young people at RCC’s throughout Ireland.”

The main thing GRCC wished to stress is the need to remove shame from being a survivor of image-based sexual abuse and extortion. “Understanding that it is illegal, and you can get support, knowing that it is not shameful or embarrassing for people of consenting ages to swap explicit pictures if they want to. The untangling of the shame and fear and guilt can be a powerful step in healing,” they said.

For parents, it is important to have honest conversations about phone use with their children in order to protect them. “There are different risk factors for different communities, but the threat is present for everyone. We are seeing many young cis het men who are also impacted by image-based sexual abuse, specifically being exploited for monetary gain.

“The risk for marginalised or minority community members is that they will be less likely to seek help and support, or less likely to believe help is available to them,” GRCC added.

“As a society, we need to be more involved in changing the language on this, and being clear that online, non-contact instances of sexual violence can be just as impactful as in-person instances. Challenging the shame and the secrecy about this will help people feel more able to disclose.”

If someone is targeted, the first thing to do is report the case to the authorities. “You might not like them, you might not trust them, but if you are under-18, you need to get in touch with the Gardaí. And you will need to tell a responsible adult, ideally a parent or caregiver.

“We hope parents and caregivers will understand the potential impact of this and act swiftly and sensitively. Understanding the young person may be experiencing shame, guilt and fear, allowing them to understand what decisions are being made on their behalf, and why it is important. Slowing down and explaining the process while also giving them control to make suitable decisions will help them be present and feel they are part of the process, as opposed to just experiencing it,” GRCC said.

If you have or think you may have experienced image-based sexual abuse, the GRCC helpline is 1800 355 355.

The National 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline is 1800 77 88  88. Report it to Hotline.ie or contact a Garda station