Grooming: an individual developing a relationship, trust and emotional connection with a child or young person so that they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them

Question 1

What are the methods of grooming and how may they occur?

Answer 1

1. By adults in a position of trust -
   Adults in a position of trust who work with children or young people may take advantage of the trust which has been placed in them
2. By interfamilial abuse -
   This is grooming by a family member. A young child will trust those closest to them and may not know that what is happening is wrong.
3. Through the use of inappropriate games - Groomers might tell a young child that they are going to play a game in order to gain their trust; this may then be inappropriate.
4. Through online materials/ communication - Older children may receive text messages or online material from groomers. They may be complimented or flattered to make them feel good before the abuse takes place.
5. Through observing sexual behaviour of others/being exposed to pornographic content - The child or young person may be forced to watch others engaging in sexual behaviour,
   either in person or through pornography.
6. Through threats of harm to the individual or family - This happens when groomers use blackmail so that the child or young person will not tell anyone about what is happening.
7. County lines - County lines refers to the mobile phone lines which are used to order the drugs from cities to towns and rural areas. Vulnerable children and young people are targeted by drug dealers to deliver the drugs. They may befriend or threaten the child or young person.