Sexual grooming is a process by which a sexual predator cultivates a relationship with a potential victim, with the aim of sexually abusing or exploiting them later on. It can happen in person or online, and can take place over a short or long period of time, from weeks to years. The process of grooming involves building trust and emotional connections with the victim, often by coming across as charming, helpful, and kind at first. The stages of grooming often look like:

• Targeting the victim: Abusers often observe possible victims and select them based on ease of access to them or their perceived vulnerability.

• Gaining access and isolating the victim: Abusers will attempt to physically or emotionally separate a victim from those protecting them and often seek out positions in which they have contact with minors.

• Trust development and keeping secrets: Abusers will often build trust with the victim and keep secrets with them, which can make the victim feel special and valued.

• Sexualizing the relationship: Abusers will gradually introduce sexual content into the relationship, often starting with non-sexual touching and escalating to more serious sexual acts.

It is important to note that grooming can be difficult to identify, and the signs are not always obvious and may be hidden. If you have concerns that a child is being groomed, online or in person, you should report your concerns to the police. If you have concerns that a child is at immediate risk of harm, you should call 999.