Methods used by Abusers

You may be aware that abuse can take many forms. Abusers use different methods to build trust with the young person. Here are some examples of how exploitation works:

Grooming

When a abuser builds a connection with a young person to gain their trust for the purposes of sexual abuse. This can happen in the ‘online world’ and the ‘real world’.

Opportunistic

This is when a abuser sees an opportunity and takes it; there isn’t the need to build up a relationship or gain the victims trust first.

Organised

This is when a group of abusers arrange to share victims. For example by trafficking them to different areas for the purpose of abusing them.

Peer

This is when exploitation takes place within the child’s social setting. For example, a victim can be persuaded to carry out sexual acts in order to fit in or be accepted into a group.

Familiar

This is when a member of the victim’s family exploits them.