Definitions related to Sextortion

These terms are created specifically for the sextortion* prevention education content of “Staying Safe,” a required prevention education module for all USC students. “Staying Safe” is accessible to the USC community through trojanlearn.usc.edu. For legal and criminal charge definitions, students are referred to law enforcement experts including the USC Department of Public Safety.

For additional information on protecting yourself from digital scams, visit the digital scams page on the USC Safety site.

*Sexual Extortion (sextortion): occurs when someone threatens to distribute sexually explicit images or videos of you unless you comply with their demands. This is a combined form of Sexual Violence and Blackmail/Extortion.

Sexual Extortion (sextortion): occurs when someone threatens to distribute sexually explicit images or videos of you unless you comply with their demands. This is a combined form of Sexual Violence and Blackmail/Extortion.
Demanding or threatening to expose something in exchange for something of monetary value or other type of selfish gain.
A resource on campus that is not obligated to report to any campus entity and will not share information without that person’s permission. Confidential Advocates in USC Student Health are a confidential resource.
A voluntary, mutual, clear agreement between people to engage in any sexual activity.
Using digital communication to harass, intimidate, or threaten a victim. This can look like unwanted messages or using the internet to follow a victim’s location.
Any type of sexual violence that happens online.
Taking advantage of someone through manipulation (i.e. abuse of power, threats) for personal gain.
Sharing or distributing sexually explicit images or videos without the consent of the person or people in the image.
Distributing sexually explicit images or videos to retaliate against or blackmail a current or former partner.
An individual who uses a variety of different tactics to take advantage of another by leveraging information, private photos and videos, etc in order to receive a type of benefit such as more private photos, private information like social security number, bank information, or other selfish gains.
Umbrella term to encompass a variety of sexual and power based behaviors that includes rape; dating violence, domestic violence, intimate partner violence; sexual assault; stalking; and sexual harassment.
Observing or capturing images or videos of a victim engaging in sexual acts or in the nude without their knowledge or consent.
Someone who has been the target of harm, and has and continues, to survive the experience.
Sending or sharing any sexually explicit images or videos without the consent of all people involved.
The individual who is at the receiving end of experiencing harm and exploitation of the Scammer. This is a term most often used in a law enforcement context. In advocacy circles, the term survivor is often preferred, to empower someone who has been the target of harm; and has, and continues, to survive the experience.

Resources and Reporting

Confidential Advocacy, Resources and Education – Support Center (CARE-SC): Provides supportive and confidential resources for students who have been impacted by power and gender-based harm. CARE-SC can assist students with their reporting options on/off campus, provide transportation and accompaniment to students, as well as connect to helpful resources on/off campus, 24/7 by calling 213-740-9355.

Reporting to Law Enforcement: If you or someone you know has experienced sextortion or exploitation, reporting options are available to you both on and off-campus. Always remember that reporting is an individual decision. However if you do decide to report, it is recommended to keep a log of any contact you have had with the scammer, including screenshots, saved messages/emails, etc.  

Contact the USC Department of Public Safety (DPS) 24/7 at 213-740-4321 (UPC) and 323-442-1000 (HSC).

To report online, visit report.usc.edu. Reports may also be made by calling 213-740-2500 or 800-348-7454 (toll-free). This number is staffed by live operators 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Reporting to the EEO-TIX Office: EEOTIX manages the University’s response to reports of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. EEOTIX offers supportive measures designed to address the safety and well-being of an individual. Call (213) 740-5086.

Additional Law Enforcement Reporting: Contact LAPD by calling 911 or visiting your local station. Contact the FBI field office at 1-800-CALL-FBI or report it online at tips.fbi.gov.