How does grooming affect a child?

Following a grooming experience, the child may suffer numerous negative effects such as embarrassment, irritability, anxiety, stress, depression, and substance abuse. Even in the absence of physical sexual abuse, the child may be traumatized and suffer long-lasting emotional damage caused by non-contact sexual abuse.

Who is vulnerable to grooming?

Some children are more at risk of grooming, particularly those who are vulnerable. Children in care, with disabilities or who are neglected can be targeted by groomers. Groomers will exploit any vulnerability to increase the likelihood a child or young person will become dependent on them and less likely to speak out.

What is a trauma bond with a parent?

Key points. A trauma bond is the type of emotional attachment that forms between abusers and victims, such as narcissistic parents and children. Trauma bonds are forged over time as a narcissistic parent trains a child to respond in particular ways to feed their ego and narcissistic needs.

What should I do if my child talks to me about grooming?

If a child talks to you about grooming it’s important to: listen carefully to what they’re saying. let them know they’ve done the right thing by telling you. tell them it’s not their fault. say you’ll take them seriously.

What is grooming a child and why is it important?

Grooming allows offenders to slowly overcome natural boundaries long before sexual abuse occurs. On the surface, grooming a child can look like a close relationship between the offending adult, the targeted child and (potentially) the child’s caregivers.

How can our services support children and young people who are groomed?

Our services can support children and young people who have experienced grooming to help them move on and receive the care they need. Any child is at risk of being groomed. And it’s important to remember that both boys and girls can be groomed. Children who are groomed online could be abused by someone they know.

How do you motivate your child to make good decisions?

Think about someone in your own life who is inspiring to you, and work towards that goal. Remember, the only thing you’ll motivate if you’re pushing your child is the motivation to resist you. 3. Let your child make his own choices—and face the consequences.