A suspected adult (aged 18 or over) who is attempting to coerce a child or young person to take part in sexual activity with themselves or others. The perpetrator might establish trust with the child by appearing sympathetic to their problems and appear to be on their side. They may encourage the child to share details about their life and offer them gifts. They may attempt to desensitise the child to sexual discussion and imagery before encouraging them to participate. This category also applies to a child or young person who is attempting to coerce another child, young person or an adult to take part in sexual activity with themselves or others.
A child or young person who appears to be in contact with a person who is over the age of 18 who may be encouraging them to become involved in sexual activity with that adult or others. This would also apply if a child or young person who appears to be in contact with another child or young person to encourage them to be involved in sexual activity with themselves or others.
A child or young person who has revealed information which suggests they have been subjected to sexual abuse by a person or people known or unknown to them.
The risk levels are identified as follows.
| Level | Reason |
|---|---|
| 1 | Usually no content will be categorised with this level |
| 2 | Usually no content will be categorised with this level. However, Level 2 Event may be used to record general information that suggests a child is communicating with an adult that may potentially progress into grooming in the future |
| 3 |
A person asking a child for information which could be, although not verified, the start of grooming. For example, being asked about their personal life, if they're happy or sad, or about issues at home. A child providing information when requested by another person regarding their personal life. For example, whether they are happy or sad, or if they have issues at home. |
| 4 |
A person attempting to gain information which would allow them to identify and locate a child or young person. For example, the child's address, email, or phone number. A person offering a child a gift. A child or young person providing personal information, which could be used to identify and locate them when requested for this by another person. A child disclosing that they have received gifts from another person. |
| 5 |
A person who has attempted to organise an offline meeting with a child or young person. A person who is asking a child or young person about their sexual experience or preferences, or for any other information of a sexual nature. A person who is attempting to desensitise a child or young person to sexual discussion and imagery, normalise it and encourage them to participate in it. A person who has requested photos, videos, access to a webcam or live streaming of a sexual nature with a child or young person A child who has arranged to meet someone following a request to do so from that person A child revealing information about their sexual experience or preferences when this is requested by another person A child being encouraged to view, discuss or participate in activities of a sexual nature A child who has offered or has sent photos, videos, given access to a webcam or live steamed themselves in a sexual manner A child who is suspected to have been sexually abused by a person or persons known to them or unknown to them |