Shared by Christina Weeter, KDE via KYSAFE ListServ
I’d like to pass along the following training opportunity hosted by the FBI on risks for sexual exploitation of students/children. This is not a KDE-sponsored training so please direct any questions to cnwilde@fbi.gov.
FBI Victim Services Presents: Violent Online Networks
The Teams link to join the training session will be provided one week in advance of each training date.
Please join FBI Victim Specialist Stacey Sanders, Cassie Wilde, and FBI CAFI Hillary Kozloski-Smith for a presentation on Violent Online Networks. This presentation focuses on the growing threat of online extremist networks and the unique challenges they present when identifying victims and conducting interviews. VON refers to a decentralized online extremist network that targets vulnerable individuals, often minors through social media platforms, gaming spaces, and encrypted messaging apps. These groups use manipulation, coercion, and psychological control to exploit victims. Tactics may include grooming, threats, humiliation, self-harm coercion, sexual exploitation, and the production of violent or degrading content. Unlike traditional organized groups, these channels operate through loosely connected online communities that encourage escalating harm, radicalization, and control over victims. Victims are often isolated, fearful, and manipulated into believing they cannot leave or report the abuse.
Housekeeping:
- This training will not be recorded.
- There will be time available after presentation for questions for MDT members.
Objective:
- To ensure Forensic interviewers and MDT members understand the dynamics of online coercion, the psychological control used by offenders, and the significant shame, fear, and loyalty conflicts victims may experience.
- Guidance on building rapport, avoiding judgment, and allowing victims to explain their online experiences in their own words is critical to obtaining accurate information while minimizing further trauma.
- Understanding these networks and their tactics for investigations and forensic interviewing to identify victims, gather evidence, and support recovery.
Content Warning: Information discussed includes child abuse, child sexual abuse, animal cruelty, blood & gore, self-mutilation, eating disorders, mental health disorders, and violence.
Information: https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250306
https://www.missingkids.org/blog/2025/using-sextortion-to-groom-kids-for-violence-pain
Registration link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=42PHTvX1D0aWHb2HEf5rxcUjP2ampSVDg_jgq4ehLBpUNjZWRkJaVDhMMk5INEhTTEJVQkVTQlA3RiQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl