TATARSTAN, RUSSIA 22-year-old girl made the mistake of her life when she let two of her friends have sex with her while she was drunk. They recorded her during the act and used the video as a tool for blackmail. They regularly came to her apartment to rape her, and if she refused, they threatened to publish the video. This time, however, she lost her patience and decided to end her suffering once and for all. She jumped to her death from her apartment window. Her desperate act was captured by a security camera at the entrance of the opposite apartment building.
The perpetrators will likely never be punished for their actions. They claimed the regular sex with the girl was consensual. They showed the video, with which they allegedly blackmailed her, to the police, and she appears to be enjoying the sex in it. There is no other evidence of rape, so the truth remains only as the statement of her female friends, to whom she confided.
If you happen to find yourself in a similar situation as the girl in this video, know that it is never your fault. Blackmail is a criminal offense, and only the blackmailer is responsible for it. Even if you once consented to the recording of sexual material, no one has the right to blackmail you with it or demand it again. Do not give in to the perpetrator, because they will always want more. The only way out is to actively deal with the situation. First say a clear NO to the perpetrator, then contact the police, your parents, or organizations that deal with cyberbullying, etc. Always collect evidence of the perpetrator’s behavior. And if it happens that they actually publish your photos or videos, it’s not the end of the world. The internet is full of nudes and people quickly forget even big scandals.
If you’re thinking about suicide, please stop and recognize that your pain is not permanent, but this step would be. It may feel like there’s no other way, but there is hope, even if it’s hard to see right now. Your feelings are temporary, and with help, they can pass.
Talking about what you're going through might feel difficult, but it’s the first step toward healing. Don’t turn away from the people who want to support you. Life can offer more than what you're feeling right now, and the pain doesn't have to last forever. You deserve help, and it’s available.
If you need immediate help, please contact a helpline.