The current review aims to outline the existing understanding of sexual grooming. Issues of poor definition, the adoption of the term “grooming” and the prevalence of sexual grooming will be discussed. Consideration will be given to how prominent theories of child sexual abuse often neglect sexual grooming. This will be followed by a detailed account of the existing knowledge within the literature. Three types of sexual grooming were thus identified: self-grooming, grooming the environment and significant others and grooming the child. Based on these findings, a new definition of sexual grooming is suggested. Furthermore, the findings correspond well with current models of the sexual offence process. A more comprehensive understanding of sexual grooming is required to facilitate a preventative approach to child protection.

Sexual grooming of children: Review of literature and theoretical considerations

Technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) refers to a range of behaviors where digital technologies are used to facilitate both virtual and face-to-face sexually based harms. Such behaviors include online sexual harassment, gender- and sexuality-based harassment, cyberstalking, image-based sexual exploitation, and the use of a carriage service to coerce a victim into an unwanted sexual act. This article reviews the current state of knowledge on these different dimensions, drawing on existing empirical studies. While there is a growing body of research into technology-facilitated harms perpetrated against children and adolescents, there is a dearth of qualitative and quantitative research on TFSV against adults. Moreover, few of the existing studies provide reliable data on the nature, scope, and impacts of TFSV. Preliminary studies, however, indicate that some harms, much like sexual violence more broadly, may be predominantly gender-, sexuality-, and age-based, with young women being overrepresented as victims in some categories. This review collects the empirical evidence to date regarding the prevalence and gender-based nature of TFSV against adults and discusses the implications for policy and programs, as well as suggestions for future research.

Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence: A Literature Review of Empirical Research.

https://purehost.bath.ac.uk/ws/files/145648608/Whittle_et_al_2013_Grooming_final_text_jan_2013.pdf

A review of online grooming: Characteristics and concerns

We live in a digital age The proliferation of digital technology, and the convergence of computing and communication devices, has transformed the way in which we socialise and do business While overwhelmingly positive, there has also been a dark side to these developments Proving the maxim that crime follows opportunity, virtually every advance has been accompanied by a corresponding niche to be exploited for criminal purposes; so-called 'cybercrimes' Whether it be fraud, child pornography, stalking, criminal copyright infringement or attacks on computers themselves, criminals will find ways to exploit new technology The challenge for all countries is to ensure their criminal laws keep pace The challenge is a global one, and much can be learned from the experience of other jurisdictions Focusing on Australia, Canada, the UK and the US, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal principles that apply to the prosecution of cybercrimes

/pdf/principles-of-cybercrime-4r5dexlzw9.pdf

Principles of Cybercrime

This review provides an overview of current knowledge and understanding of the process of sexual grooming and exploitation of children via the Internet. Specifically, the prevalence of online sexual grooming and exploitation is explored as well as associated challenges relating to the identification of its occurrence. This is complemented by a detailed outline and discussion of the process, both online and in the physical world, and legal responses to this phenomenon. A number of factors are examined to provide an explanation of the facilitating and contributing role they may play in offense processes online. Finally, current typologies are discussed in relation to characteristics of Internet offenders in general and "groomers"/chat room offenders specifically. This review concludes by offering suggestions for future research.

/pdf/online-child-sexual-exploitation-prevalence-process-and-2ccssbqjbe.pdf

Online child sexual exploitation: prevalence, process, and offender characteristics

This article aims to outline current responses to sexual grooming; specific attention will be given to new legislation introduced in England and Wales under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Following an outline of this new legislation, consideration will be given to its effectiveness, including practical difficulties that are likely to restrict its scope. Issues to be discussed include: poor definition and understanding of sexual grooming, scope of legislation in relation to non-Internet grooming, difficulties in identifying sexual grooming, and a failure of the new legislation to be truly preventative. The article concludes by supporting Richard Laws's suggestion that the most effective prevention of child sexual abuse would result from adopting a public health approach. Following the case of Patrick Green (BBC News Online, 15 March 2001), there was a general increase in concern about child sex offenders using the Internet to access victims for child sexual abuse. Green met a 13-year-old girl, Georgie, in a chat room and after several months of contact via the Internet and telephone, they arranged to meet up. Georgie thought that she was going to meet a 15-year-old boy. As Georgie's mum felt uneasy about the meeting, she gave Georgie a lift to the meeting and then watched from a distance. This was fortuitous as she was able to intervene when she realised that the expected 15-year-old was in fact a middle-aged man (Patrick Green). At that time, it was not possible to convict Patrick Green, as his communication with, and arrangement to meet Georgie, did not break any laws. This and other similar cases, which received a great deal of media coverage, led to an increased awareness and concern regarding the sexual grooming of children via the Internet. This concern eventually led to the inclusion of 'sexual grooming' legislation in the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Home Office 2003), which was implemented, in England and Wales, in May 2004. Under this new Act it would be possible to convict Patrick Green or others who engage in the behaviours described above.

Samantha Craven

Papers

Sexual grooming of children: Review of literature and theoretical considerations

Current Responses to Sexual Grooming: Implication for Prevention