Human Trafficking and Understanding the Dangers of Sextortion

This webinar is hosted by Florida’s Center for Child Welfare at USF

Investigators have seen a massive surge in the number of cases involving youth being threatened and
coerced by adults into sending explicit images online or via social media. This is a crime called
sextortion, punishable under federal and state laws. Sextortion can begin on any computer site, social
media site, app, or game where people meet and communicate. Often used by traffickers, this crime
starts when young people believe they are communicating with someone their own age who is
interested in a relationship or offering something of value. In these cases, the criminal claims that they
already have a revealing picture or video of a child that they will share if the victim does not send more.
The adult will use threats, gifts, money, flattery, lies, or other methods to get a young person to send
an image. After the criminal has one or more videos or pictures, they threaten to publish that content,
or they threaten violence, to get the victim to comply with their demands. The shame, fear, and
confusion children feel can prevent them from asking for help or reporting the abuse. This program will
help caregivers and others with youth to understand how the crime occurs and how to openly discuss
online safety with their children. Presenter: Marina Anderson, Regional Human Trafficking Coordinator
for NE and NW Regions, FL Department of Children and Families

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FTr31PpIQcmqhQhTOEtiVg