Sexual grooming: what you need to know and look out for ABV Solicitors In the UK, many parents are concerned about children being groomed or preyed upon via social media or other platforms. However, this can create issues for those who engage with children daily too, such as coaches or mentors. As few people are aware of what constitutes grooming behaviour. Here, a sexual offence solicitor provides a very short guide to grooming definitions in the UK. What is grooming? Grooming is defined as when someone builds a trusting relationship with a child with the aim of exploiting them sexually. It is worth noting that in the UK, grooming is not an issue that is only aimed at children. People who have mental health issues or learning disabilities may also be at a higher risk of grooming. So, if you engage in activities with children, such as weekend football clubs, you will need to be aware of what could be seen as grooming behaviour. If you have any doubts, contact a sexual offence solicitor for advice and guidance. Types of grooming Any sexual offence solicitor will inform you that there are different types of grooming. Some of which you may be doing without any malicious intent. The groomer may take the role of an authority figure, a mentor, a teacher or a dominant, persistent person in the child or vulnerable person's life. If you are a mentor or teacher and are unsure about boundaries with children, or have been accused of crossing them, contact a sexual offence solicitor for help. Alternatively, grooming can take place online. There are many social media and gaming platforms that potential groomers are engaged with. So, once again, if you receive an accusation of grooming or sexual abuse with a minor via these sites, contact a sexual offence solicitor for guidance and legal advice. If you overhear someone talking about pretending to be younger online to talk to children, this is a red flag that needs to be called out. As they may be engaging in grooming behaviours without realising. What to look out for If you are a parent or someone who engages with children or vulnerable people, there are a few things to keep your eyes open for. A child who becomes more secretive and detached may be being groomed. They may also be receiving gifts that they do not want to disclose the origin of. They may develop psychological signs, such as depression or anxiety. But in some cases, a teacher or tutor may simply be being friendly or supportive. And may not be aware of how their behaviour is viewed. If you have been accused of grooming, but the action was meant with a helpful intent, it is time to seek help from a sexual offence solicitor. If a child reveal grooming to you If a child reveal grooming to you, be sure to tell them that it is not their fault. And of course, contact the police immediately and report the incident. If, on the other hand, a child accuses you of grooming them, the first thing you need to do is seek out the advice of a sexual offence solicitor to defend you. This is not an admission of guilt. And it can help your defence in the long term, should your case go to court. https://www.abvsolicitors.co.uk/services/sexual-offence-solicitor/ https://www.cps.gov.uk/crime-info/sexual-offences https://www.police.uk/pu/advice-crime-prevention/violence-sexual-offences//