Teen victims must hear sextortion won’t ruin whole life

Rohan Patrick Cosgriff was 17 when he was found dead at his home near Ballarat in July 2022.

In his pocket there was a note that read: “I made a huge mistake. I’m sorry.”

Police later discovered that in the two days prior to his death, the teen was a victim of sexual extortion.

He’d been pressured into sending an intimate picture of himself to someone called “Christine” on Snapchat, who then threatened to distribute the images unless money was paid.

In a report released last week, Victorian Coroner Audrey Jamieson said a large amount of information was available for those who needed it – but there needed to be a shift in education.

“The fact remains that with all the education in the world, and no matter how many times the message ‘don’t send intimate images’ is repeated, young people will continue to do these things,” Jamieson said.

“The conversation must turn to should you find yourself in this situation, it is going to be OK.”

A total of 11 other young people over the past decade have also taken their lives after being victims of sextortion or image-based abuse. 

At least seven others died after they experienced bullying of a sexual nature but not image-based or sextortion.

“If a young person finds themself in a situation like Rohan did, the most important thing is that they know they have not done anything wrong,” the coroner wrote.

“And that the situation will not define the rest of their lives.”

The coroner also suggested the teen’s death could inform the statutory review of the national Online Safety Act, particularly with respect to combating sextortion led by transnational crime syndicates.

If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25).