Sextortion victim in Barnet speaks out after intimate images used to control her

A Barnet resident has spoken publicly about how a man used intimate images to control her during a year-long relationship after secretly taking screenshots during a video call when she was 17. Emma, whose real name is withheld, said the man threatened to share the images if she did not comply with his demands.

Emma told the BBC she met the man, then 26, on a dating site. During their first video call, he claimed his camera was not working but could see and hear her. After she undressed, he secretly took screenshots. She only discovered the images later, after the relationship had begun.

Threats and isolation

Emma said the man acquired more intimate images during their relationship and used them to manipulate her. He threatened to expose the images if she tried to end the relationship or refused his demands. The fear of what it would do to her family, particularly her father’s career, kept her silent.

She described how the experience left her isolated. "I became more secluded, more drawn back. I completely broke," she said. "You don’t really see a future any more after it." Emma never reported the abuse to police, believing her age at the time of reporting would prevent action.

Rising reports of sextortion

Sextortion cases in London have surged. The Metropolitan Police recorded 983 blackmail offences in 2025 where the term "sextortion" was mentioned, an 84% increase from 533 in 2024. The National Crime Agency (NCA) reported 1,473 cases of financially motivated sexual extortion in 2025, a 163% rise from 2023.

Childline delivered 1,043 counselling sessions in the year to March 2026 involving threats to share sexual images, up from 685 the previous year. Rani Govender, associate head of policy for child safety online at the NSPCC, said children often feel "incredibly distressed" and isolated when reporting such abuse.

The NSPCC has called on technology companies to use existing tools to prevent children being exposed to this kind of abuse. In June 2026, the government gave tech firms three months to demonstrate progress in blocking children from taking, sharing or viewing nude images, warning of legislation if they failed to act.

Legal protections and support

Taking or possessing intimate images of someone under 18 is a criminal offence, regardless of the victim’s age when they report it. Sean Sutton, former head of partnerships and education at the NCA, said police always emphasise that victims are not at fault. "You have been coerced, manipulated, threatened," he said. "Always report it."

Emma received support from the Marie Collins Foundation, a charity that helps victims of online sexual abuse. The charity said it was vital for victims to know they are not to blame and that support is available. Emma said she hoped speaking out would help others. "Firstly, you’re not alone," she said.

What happens next

The government’s deadline for technology companies to show progress in blocking nude images involving children expired in September 2026. It is unclear whether the government will now introduce legislation. The Metropolitan Police and NCA continue to encourage victims to report sextortion, regardless of when the offence occurred.