Breaking the Fear Cycle: Standing Up to Picture-Based Blackmail

Technology has become an inseparable part of our lives, connecting us in so many ways, but truth be told, it is not always positive. Sadly, we are now facing a worldwide phenomenon, a dark emergence of picture-based blackmail, specifically targeting girls. Although society is usually on the victim’s side, some also start blaming the girl for sending anything in the first place, even if she sent it with her consent.

 

This Ramadan season, we have witnessed a great representation of this situation in Atabat El Bahga, when Bahgat’s (Yehia El Fakharany) granddaughter, Gamila, found out that an anonymous person was threatening her with a picture she sent to Mahmoud whom she liked.

 

The series shed light on this stressing issue, breaking the cycle of fear and silence surrounding picture-based blackmail, while also giving solutions to end all these kinds of malicious acts, and granting the victim her full rights.

Here are some valuable lessons we learnt from this episode:

 

1. It is okay to ask for help 

 

Remember, you are not alone. Whether they are your friends or family, never hesitate to ask for help. No matter how bad the situation is, your loved ones trust and love you nevertheless and will give you their endless support.

 

2. Never delete any proof

 

As much as you wish to erase anything related to the incident, it is important to keep any threat messages or any kind of proof that you obtain and to record all calls that occurred between you and the blackmailer.

 

3. Support is always needed

 

Instead of blaming the victim, society should focus on providing support and empathy, and giving all possible solutions. Victim-blaming adds to the person's trauma, making the healing process harder than it already is.

 

Remember staying silent out of fear of the society’s harsh, unfair judgement or out of worrying about the consequences of standing up will bring you more harm. We’re all subject to blackmail and threats, you are not alone. So, don’t be scared to ask for help and report the issue to authorities early on.