CRIM 380 Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Child Grooming, Distinctive Feature

• School: Simon Fraser University
• Department: Criminology
• Course: CRIM 380
• Professor: Richard Frank

Document Summary

Use of variety of manipulative & controlling techniques. W/ overall aim of facilitating exploitation and/or prohibiting exposure. In order to establish trust/normalize sexually harmful behaviour. While grooming not new, internet & other forms of electronic communication have provided offenders w/ greatly increased opportunities for contact w/ children. Electronic communications provide relatively anonymity which may have disinhibiting effect both for offenders & victims. Distinctive feature of online communications - may facilitate grooming is how rapidly they can become intimate. Lack of actual contact - may facilitate projection of fantasy, both for victim & offender. Digital technology also facilitates production of sexual images, of either offender or victim. Digital technology can advantage prosecution, providing clear evidence of communications b/w offender & victim. In past, such communications would have occurred in private & denied by offender if revealed. Offender makes initial contact & establishes rapport & also determines whether they wish for communication to continue.