One gender dimension of corruption that has recently received increasing attention is sexual corruption, sometimes called sextortion – i.e. abuse of power in exchange for sexual gain. This article discusses the implications of the general scarcity of specific legislation. In particular, given the lack of recognition of sexual corruption as corruption, we argue that victim-centered campaigns, focused on awareness-raising, reporting and victim empowerment, run the risk of causing further harm to victims. To coherently move forward with policy-making and legislating, we propose a definition of sexual corruption that is firmly anchored in the abuse of entrusted power. We illustrate this argument with an example of the criminalization of sexual corruption in Tanzania, where the legal framework clearly distinguishes sexual corruption from monetary forms of bribery. In bribery cases, both parties are liable, whereas in cases of sexual corruption only the actions of the person in a position of entrusted power are criminalized. We conclude that while action against sexual corruption is sorely needed, initiatives must be responsive to existing definitions, societal awareness, and the legal status of sexual corruption.