Grooming
Grooming can happen in many ways. It can begin at any age, either by creating a dependency on them – for emotional strength, financial support, or so called “love”. Children can also be led to believe that it is their fault that this abuser feels that way. They are conned into believing that they caused the abuse. It can also occur through blackmail, eg a child who has done something they shouldn’t have done (often at the instigation of the abuser) can be blackmailed by the abuser to keep quiet. Grooming can happen on line where an abuser can create a false identity, that could be man , woman or child. They may gain a child’s trust; tell them they are in love; or just befriend them.
Support:
CEOP (child Online protection)
Cyber Crime