Frequently Asked Questions

What is “image-based sexual abuse”?

Often referred to as “revenge pornography,” image-based sexual abuse actually encompasses a wide range of non-revenge-motivated crimes that involve the nonconsensual production and distribution of nude and/or sexual images–including cases where the images and/or videos are digitally produced or altered. Image-based sexual abuse also includes the threat to distribute nude and/or sexual images.

What is “child sexual abuse material”?

Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) or images (often referred to as “child pornography”) consists of any visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. . This includes rape and sexual assault of children — either by adults or by other children, but it can also include consensual sex acts between minors or self-produced sexually explicit images or videos of minors. Possession of such material is a strict liability offense. Meaning, there are no (or very few/limited) exceptions or defenses to possession of such material, even by the children/victims depicted themselves. That is why it is imperative that if you come across such material, or you realize that your own CSAM is being distributed, to report it to law enforcement and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children immediately.

How is “sex trafficking” defined?

Trafficking in persons (TIP) is the illegal commerce in human beings. It can be helpful to conceptualize TIP (also known as human trafficking) as a process through which a person loses his or her freedom and is reduced to the status of someone else’s “property.” People who live through the trafficking process ultimately experience slavery, because they become people over whom others assume the powers and rights of ownership.

What is the difference between “rape” and “sexual assault”?

Rape and sexual assault are terms that are often used interchangeably but, although both are significant crimes, there are important distinctions to be aware of when using these terms.

Rape is defined as the act of sexualpenetration such as vaginal, anal, or oral pentration by an object or body part without consent. Sexual assault is nonconsensual sexual contact that includes rape or attempted rape. Sexual assault also includes actions such as unwanted sexual fondling or touching.

Could I Qualify for a Lawsuit?

Confidentiality: The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) may use or maintain the information provided here to contact you for further details regarding your experience. Information from this form is strictly confidential. Access to confidential information is permitted only on a need-to-know basis and limited to the minimum amount of confidential information necessary to accomplish the intended purpose of the use, disclosure, or request. By submitting this information, you authorize representatives of NCOSE to contact you for further information, and confirm your understanding that the provision of information on this form does not establish a client-attorney relationship between you and NCOSE.

Disclaimer: The Law Center cannot guarantee legal representation to every injured person with a potential legal claim and the submission of this questionnaire does not create an attorney-client relationship. Except in situations directly related to litigation the Law Center generally cannot assist with record expungement requests.

Did someone upload sexually explicit images of you as a minor, or without your knowledge or consent? Did someone upload sexually explicit images of you as a minor, or without your knowledge or consent? Yes No

Were you ever forced, coerced, pressured, or tricked into performing paid sex acts? Were you ever forced, coerced, pressured, or tricked into performing paid sex acts? Yes No

Did someone solicit or upload sexually explicit images of your child over the Internet? Did someone solicit or upload sexually explicit images of your child over the Internet? Yes No

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Could I Qualify for a Lawsuit?

Disclaimer: The Law Center cannot guarantee legal representation to every injured person with a potential legal claim and the submission of this questionnaire does not create an attorney client relationship. Except in situations directly related to litigation the Law Center generally cannot assist with record expungement requests.

Did someone upload sexually explicit videos of you without your knowledge or consent? Did someone upload sexually explicit videos of you without your knowledge or consent? Yes No

Are you a victim of sexual abuse and/or assault? Are you a victim of sexual abuse and/or assault? Yes No

Were you ever forced, coerced, pressured, or tricked into performing paid sex acts? Were you ever forced, coerced, pressured, or tricked into performing paid sex acts? Yes No

Have you been harmed physically, psychologically, professionally, or in your personal relationships due to exposure to hardcore pornography? Have you been harmed physically, psychologically, professionally, or in your personal relationships due to exposure to hardcore pornography? Yes No

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