Legal Literacy - Public attention to the issue of child grooming has increased again following various cases of sexual violence against children, which were revealed through the testimonies of victims, including the publication of a memoir titled "broken strings" written by a public figure. The victims' experiences, revealed years after the events occurred, indicate that child grooming is a crime that occurs covertly, gradually, and is difficult to detect early. 

What is Child Grooming?

Child grooming is defined as a process of psychological manipulation carried out by an adult towards a child with the aim of sexually exploiting the victim. Child grooming is an effort to build a relationship, trust, and emotional bond with a child or adolescent so that the perpetrator can manipulate, exploit, and abuse them. This process is often carried out gradually and covertly, both through direct interaction and through digital media.

There are six common underlying factors in the practice of child grooming. First, manipulation, where the perpetrator uses various techniques such as excessive praise or intimidation to strengthen control over the victim. Second, accessibility, which refers to the ease with which perpetrators can access victims via the internet without needing to meet in person, by exploiting the lack of parental supervision over children's online activities. Third, building closeness, where the perpetrator adjusts their communication style so that the victim feels comfortable, while simultaneously gathering information about the victim's interests and circumstances. Fourth, sexual context, which is the stage when the perpetrator begins to introduce sexual elements through vulgar conversations, seduction, or sending pornographic images. Fifth, risk assessment, which the perpetrator conducts before and during the process to avoid detection. Sixth, deception, where the perpetrator poses as a peer or a trusted figure.

Signs of a perpetrator child grooming include giving excessive attention and gifts to the child, pretending to be a peer, asking the victim to keep something a secret, and discussing inappropriate topics that are gradually normalized. Signs that a child may be a victim include sudden behavioral changes, becoming withdrawn, accepting gifts without clear explanation, using sexual language inappropriate for their age, and showing symptoms of mental health problems such as excessive sadness or social withdrawal.