Grooming a minor refers to actions or behaviors used to establish an emotional connection with a child or young person to lower their inhibitions with the objective of sexual abuse. Grooming can occur in various settings, including online, in person, and through other means of communication. Children and young people who are groomed can be sexually abused, exploited, or trafficked. Groomers build a relationship, trust, and emotional connection with a child or young person so they can manipulate, exploit, and abuse them. They may hide who they are by sending photos or videos of other people, and they might target one child online or contact lots of children very quickly and wait for them to respond. Groomers can use tactics like pretending to be younger, giving advice or showing understanding, and buying gifts. Signs that characterize child groomers include a person who takes an unusual interest in a child, particularly if the interest is primarily focused on their physical appearance, behavior, or activities; a person who tries to communicate with a child online or in person in secret, outside the knowledge of the childs parents or guardians; a person who attempts to isolate a child from their family and friends; and a person who tries to establish a relationship with a child that is beyond what is considered normal for their age and development. It is important to remember that children and young people may not understand theyve been groomed, and they may have complicated feelings, like loyalty, admiration, and love, as well as fear, confusion, and shame.