Generally, grooming is a phased, gradual process used by perpetrators to sexually exploit children and young people. It can take place over varying periods of time – from a few days to several years. It can also take different forms, and be more or less violent. Although we talk about it as having stages, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it will always develop in the same way. The picture we present is to give you an indication of what could happen.
Typically, grooming involves a number of stages and these are outlined below.
1. Initial contact.
2. Befriending.
3. Exchange of favours.
4. Control.
5. Exploitation.