Children and young people can be groomed online or face-to-face, by a stranger or by someone they know. For example, a family member, friend or professional.

Groomers may be male or female.  They can be any age.  Many children and young people don’t understand that they have been groomed or that what has happened is abuse.

Grooming happens both online and in person.  Groomers will hide their true intention and may spend a lot of time gaining a child or young person’s trust.  Groomers may even try to gain the trust of the whole family to allow them to be left alone with a child.  If they work with children they may use similar tactics with their colleagues.

Groomers do this by the following methods:

• Pretending to be someone they are not, for example saying they are the same age online
• Offering advice or understanding
• Buying gifts
• Giving the child attention
• Using their professional position or reputation
• Taking them on trips, outings, or holidays

When sexual exploitation happens online young people may be persuaded or forced to:

• Send or post sexually explicit images of themselves
• Take part in sexual activities via webcam or smartphone
• Have sexual conversations by text or online

Abusers may threaten to send images or videos or copies of conversations to the young persons family or friends unless they take part in any other sexual activity.

Children and young people may not speak out for the following reasons:

• They are ashamed
• They feel guilty
• They are unaware they are being abused
• They believe they are in a relationship with a loving partner

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