Child Focus is calling for better online protection for youngsters from sexual exploitation.
To this end, the non-profit will launch a petition on Saturday, invoking the European Day for the protection of children against sexual exploitation and abuse.
The phone number of a non-consensual sexting victim will be used symbolically for this campaign.
Glenn, a 15-year old, ended his life in June 2017, following the online circulation of his nude photo, Child Focus explained. He had endured a wave of hate comments.
To combat non-consensual sexting, the organisation has reactivated Glenn’s mobile number. Callers to 0493/79.58.30 will hear Glenn’s story and have the opportunity to sign the petition.
Child Focus wants more attention paid to this issue, plus a relevant legal framework, and additional resources for both prevention and support for victims. It is urging policymakers to “work together and build a society free of child sexual abuse, both offline and online,” through the enactment of “strong laws.”
Last year, the organisation dealt with 151 cases of non-consensual sexting. This typically involved pressured or non-consented exchanges of sexual messages or images on social media. It notes that these images are now often accompanied by the victim’s personal details, shared on social media.
“Perpetrators, as well as many witnesses of non-consensual online behaviour, often do not sufficiently realise that online actions have serious offline consequences,” said Heidi De Pauw, Chief Executive of Child Focus.
Victims of non-consensual sexting and their families can contact Child Focus on its free number: 116 000.
