*Author’s note—this story contains mentions of suicide. If you or anybody you know needs help, please call, text or message 988 online to get immediate help from the National Suicide & Crisis Hotline*
MISHICOT, Wis. (WFRV) – The Mishicot Police Department is hosting a community-wide event on March 18, centered on sextortion awareness and prevention.
RELATED: Sextortion on the rise in Wisconsin, police offer prevention tips
The Wisconsin Department of Justice defines sextortion as a significant threat to children online, as it’s a form of sexual exploitation, and it often involves at least one individual threatening a victim unless they send them money and/or sexual content or engage in sex.
Mishicot Police Chief Paul Granger joined Local 5’s Stacy Engebretson to discuss the event, which will feature speakers and prevention strategies, with the hope of providing information and tools to recognize the signs.
The event is on Wednesday, March 18, at the Fairway Inn and Suites at 250 West Church Street in Mishicot.
A law signed last year by Governor Tony Evers deemed sextortion a felony. The bill, referred to as Bradyn’s Law, is named for a 15-year-old who died by suicide after being targeted in a sextortion scheme.
RELATED: Wisconsin Department of Justice releases PSA on sextortion following passage of bill
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s website includes several resources for parents and caregivers for more information.
If you or anybody that you know is in crisis and danger, please call, text or message 988 online to get immediate help from the National Suicide & Crisis Hotline.
