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Grooming |
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Chelsea Safer Neighbourhood Officers were called to a school after a parent was worried that their child is being criminally exploited.
Types of groomingGrooming can take place online or in person and it can happen over a short or long period of time - from days to years.
OnlineGroomers are good at lying about who they are, particularly online where they can create a false identity and pretend to be younger than they are. People can be groomed online through: social media networks text messages and messaging apps, like WhatsApp text, voice and video chats in forums, games and apps In personA groomer can be a stranger or someone the victim already knows and trusts, for example through a friend or family, or at a club they go to.
Signs of groomingIt can be difficult to tell if someone is being groomed – the signs aren't always obvious and may be hidden. Some signs to look out for: Are they being secretive about how they're spending their time? Do they have an older boyfriend or girlfriend? Do they have money or new things like clothes and mobile phones that they can't or won't explain? Are they drinking or taking drugs? Are they spending more or less time than usual online or on their devices? Do they seem upset or withdrawn? Are they using sexual language you wouldn’t expect them to know? Are they spending more time away from home or going missing for periods of time? A person won't know they're being groomed, they will trust their abuser who is giving them lots of attention and gifts. Also, their groomer may have warned them not to talk to anyone about it.
Report itGrooming is an offence. If you suspect a person is being groomed, even if you’re not sure, please tell someone.
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