Online Sexual Abuse and Grooming

In spite of the internet's role in accelerating cultural, social, and personal progress, it has contributed to the increase of abusive and sexualized pursuits such as revenge porn, catfishing, and online child grooming. The term "grooming" specifically refers to the enticement of minors on digital platforms such as social networks, where adults with malicious intentions attempt to establish sexualized relationships with young victims. This chapter aims to discuss the main definitions and theories concerning grooming, but it also seeks to identify the various types that exist and profile the groomers. We will carefully analyze the peculiarities of the victims and any equivalencies with the aggressor's profiles, while also confronting the risk and protective traits of grooming. Indeed, it's necessary to highlight the complexity and pervasiveness of grooming, defining the vulnerabilities of young people, which increase their chances of becoming victims of the phenomenon, and the sophisticated strategies used by groomers, to facilitate a preventive approach to child protection.