New free counselling service launched for victims of sextortion in New Zealand

Netsafe reports a rapid increase in sextortion incidents across New Zealand, noting an average of 50 weekly reports and more than 16,000 cases recorded to date. The abuse, which involves blackmail over intimate images, is being perpetrated by both local contacts and organised crime groups overseas. In response, Netsafe has teamed up with the counselling service Ignite to deliver three free mental-health sessions for victims.

Ignite’s director highlighted the stigma that often prevents victims from seeking help and the need for services that understand image-based abuse. Netsafe’s CEO emphasized that the problem affects people of all ages, from children to seniors, and called for a review of the Harmful Digital Communications Act. The pilot programme aims to expand if successful, and victims are urged to report incidents to police and Netsafe.