Exploitation and grooming

Information about exploitation and grooming in easy read.

What exploitation and grooming is

Woman being threatened by two people in hoodies

Exploitation is when someone tricks you into doing a task for them. 

Grooming is when someone prepares you to do an unsafe or illegal task for them.

Two women meeting as friends

Signs that you may be at risk of being exploited or groomed include:

  • A new friend asks you to do ‘favours’ for them
Gift with expensive price tag, iPhone and woman carrying a large box
  • You are given expensive presents
  • You are given money, phones or devices
  • Someone asks you to carry or deliver a parcel for them
Woman opening the door to a stranger
  • Strangers visit your home
A beer can, pink pills in a bag, and a man with a finger over his lips
  • You are offered alcohol or drugs
  • You are asked to keep secrets
  • Someone tells you to trust them

Tell someone if you think you are being exploited or groomed

Report to the police

Phone with 999 on the screen and an emergency light
If it is an emergency, phone 999.
Man in police uniform sat at a desk at a computer, with a phone headset on. Text saying to call 101.

If it is not an emergency you can:

Report to Crimestoppers 

Crimestoppers logo and woman with finger to lips with text reading 'confidential'

Or if you do not want to give your name, report it to Crimestoppers.

Report to the council

Woman on phone and man in suit in a house shape representing the council, laptop and iphone
HASC safeguarding Hub
More information about HASC safeguarding Hub