What is grooming?
Grooming is when someone builds a relationship with a young person to gain trust and influence them. This can be done to control, pressure or exploit someone. Grooming can happen online or in person, and can involve someone you know or someone you just met.
Common signs of grooming
- Grooming usually develops over time, it may start with kindness, attention or support
- Someone might make you feel listened to or understood, they might offer help, gift or reassurance. As time goes on, they might begin to push boundaries or ask for things that do not feel right
- Someone gives you a lot of attention or messages you often- if something doesn’t feel right, that feeling matters
- You are asked to keep secrets and feel pressure to do things you are uncomfortable with
- You feel like you owe them something
- They try to isolate you from your friends, family and support
It’s important to remember that feeling confused, uncomfortable or unsure are valid warning signs.
You are allowed to ask questions and talk to someone when you are ready.
Getting support
If you are worried about yourself or someone else, you do not have to deal with it alone.
Call or text us at 116 000 for confidential support and advice.