Child safety
Understanding grooming: recognising patterns and supporting safety
A trauma-informed overview of grooming behaviours, early warning signs and safe responses.
Grooming is a pattern
Grooming describes behaviours used to build access, trust, secrecy or control before abuse. It can target a child, family or community and may happen in person or online. No single behaviour proves abuse; patterns, boundary violations and the child’s wellbeing matter.
Possible warning signs
- Unexplained gifts, money, contact or special treatment
- Pressure to keep secrets or to communicate privately
- Testing physical, emotional or digital boundaries
- A child becoming fearful, withdrawn, distressed or unusually protective of a relationship
- An adult discouraging questions or bypassing safeguards
Respond calmly and believe the child
Listen without interrogating. Thank the child for telling you, explain that it is not their fault and avoid promising secrecy. Record their words accurately and seek advice from an appropriate child-protection or specialist service.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 000. 1800RESPECT can provide information and support relating to sexual violence and abuse. Reporting duties vary by role and jurisdiction.