Julie Inman Grant

We're sure it is much more common, which is precisely why we're trying to report on the tactics and what to do, because this is a lot for anyone to take on.

And we did

some work with the Australian Institute of Criminology last year, and we found that one in 10, 16 to 18s are being targeted.

As I said, younger kids are being targeted, but the primary target range for sexual extortionists is 18 to 24.

Why?

Because when you're 18, you're more likely and above, you're more likely to have income and be working, but you're still taking risks.

You don't have your identity in pre,

frontal cortex totally formed.

But it's also a really awkward time because you're technically an adult.

So parents may stop having those conversations with you.

You don't have the pastoral care or the support of the school environment.

For instance, you're often in transition.

So it's a really, really vulnerable time.

for young people who might not feel like they can or should reach out to anyone.

I think the other thing that we're told, and we try and make sure that this is clear in our messaging, that you are a victim.

You are a victim of crime and you are not going to get in trouble for engaging with us or for sharing your intimate imagery.

There is a lot of scary messaging out there when they talk about this being a crime or this is child sexual exploitation material.

Young people tell us that they're afraid they'll get in trouble.

And so we just need to kind of get over all of those hurdles and just remember that this is something that young people don't need to suffer in silence around.

You're a victim.