Online sexual violence is a form of sexual violence inflicted using various communications technologies such as the Internet, social media and text messages.
As with sexual violence, online sexual violence has wide-ranging consequences for victims.
Online sexual violence
The different forms of online sexual violence
Online harassment
When a victim is pursued by e-mail, text messages or on social media. Their online communications are closely watched or disrupted. They feel threatened. Among younger people, this type of online violence occurs more frequently with regard to romantic relationships, but may also arise in the context of other types of relationships.
Sextortion
A blend of the words “sex” and “extortion,” sextortion refers to sexual blackmail. Generally, an individual succeeds in getting intimate photos by passing themselves off as someone else or by piracy. In some cases, they might get intimate photos by engaging in what is initially a consensual game of seduction. These pictures are then used to threaten the victim so as to obtain money or additional intimate photos.
Cyberstalking and child luring
When a person seduces and manipulates a young person under the age of 18 using the Internet or new technologies with the aim of committing a sexual offence. In certain cases, individuals with malicious intent use false information. They might pretend to be the same age as the targeted young person for instance.
Publication of intimate images without consent
When intimate images of a person are published, shared or made available to others without the prior consent of the person appearing in the images. The publication of intimate photos may occur as a result of a breakup (revenge porn) but is also common among young people who are not part of a couple. This form of violence can have a snowball effect in school settings as photos circulate quickly and reach a large number of young people.
What now?
This overview of the forms of online sexual violence young people have reported helps to better understand the various negative online experiences they may face. To read more about popular applications and video games among young people, ways to address certain situations or tools to better guide your teen, check out our other articles.
Popular applications among teenagers
