Pursuing Justice In Internet Sex Crimes Involving Children
Sex crimes that happen on the internet tend to be particularly sinister, as they are typically initiated by predators who willfully and strategically seek to manipulate other people online. Many such predators go after children and teens using social media, chat rooms, popular online games and other platforms that will put them in contact with potential targets.
The World Wide Web provides a broad forum for sexual predators to harm and abuse minors. As such, internet sex crimes take various forms, including (but not strictly limited to):
- Sending lewd or sexually explicit messages to a minor
- Sending pornographic images to a minor
- Asking a minor to send sexually explicit images or messages
- Attempting to convince a minor to meet in person with sexual intent
- Selling or distributing pornography to a minor
- Taking sexual explicit images of a minor via webcam or other camera
- Cyberbullying of a sexual nature
- Encouraging a minor to provide sexual images or services in exchange for money or other payment
What To Do If Your Child Encounters A Sexual Predator Online
You may be shocked and worried to find out that your child has been talking to or harmed by an online sexual offender, but you are not powerless. If you believe your child has connected with someone who wishes them harm or has already exploited them, you must protect them by intervening right away.
There are a few things you must do immediately if your child has been a victim of an online sex crime:
- Involve law enforcement. Digitally based criminal activity normally leaves a trail. This can take the form of chat history, video call logs, emails, etc. When you bring in police, you will receive the guidance you need regarding what sort of evidence you should hang onto and how to respond to the offending party, if at all. Ideally, talking to law enforcement will result in the offending party being tried and punished for their crimes and prevented from harming your child or others.
- Prevent future contact. Your child may be vulnerable to additional contact from a sexual predator if they continue using chat rooms, certain games, and other programs or devices. Find out all of the ways your child has been in contact with a dangerous individual, and either take away the device or find another suitable remedy. However, keep in mind that chat transcripts and other records of communication may disappear if you delete apps, deactivate accounts or remove programs.
- Connect with an internet sex crime lawyer. In addition to receive wise counsel from police, meeting with an attorney is one of the best things you can do after you find out your child has been exploited or in contact with a sexual predator online.
Compassionate Attorneys Serving Child Victims Of Internet Sex Crimes
Our team at TJC • ESQ, takes your claims seriously. We can help you protect your child and work to make sure the offender in question is held accountable for their crimes. We have served victims of child sex abuse for more than 30 years, and our attorneys have the skill and tact necessary to handle even the most sensitive cases. Our Stamford child sex abuse lawyers can provide the tough, compelling advocacy you need to get a just solution and protect your family’s privacy during this difficult time.
Consultations are free, and we are available 24/7. Call 401-400-4254 today or contact us online to speak to a member of our team.
TJC • ESQ is now a part of Burns & Levinson, one of the largest and most respected family law firms in the nation. Learn more.
