What is sexual grooming?
Back to Topic
Click to Print
Useful Websites
Glossary Term Selection
Grooming is a process offenders use to abuse and exploit children. It can happen online and in person. Learning more about grooming can help you spots signs and know what to do if you have concerns.
Grooming can happen in online spaces as well as in person, by a stranger or someone known. It involves the offender building a relationship with a child, and sometimes with their wider family, gaining their trust and a position of power over the child, in preparation for abuse. The process of grooming can take place in a matter of minutes, over one conversation, or over long periods of time, in some cases, years.
Sexual grooming refers to grooming where the offender aims to sexually abuse the child.
The aim of sexual grooming is to abuse or exploit in two ways:
- Online sexual abuse. Children and young people being tricked or coerced into sexual activity over chat, video or photos.
- A physical meeting. Persuading children and young people to meet them face to face in order to abuse them.
Want to see the rest of this article?
Would you like to see the rest of this article and all the other benefits that Issues Online can provide with?
- Useful related articles
- Video and multimedia references
- Statistical information and reference material
- Glossary of terms
- Key Facts and figures
- Related assignments
- Resource material and websites
