Child grooming practices hiding in plain sight
Parents are being urged to learn the red flags that could indicate their child is being groomed.
Grooming is one of the most insidious precursors to child sexual abuse as the manipulative practice targets parents and children.
In Australia, more than one in three girls and almost one in five boys experience child sexual abuse.
The stark reality is that 79 per cent of survivors knew their abuser, be it a relative, friend, acquaintance or neighbour.
Survivor and advocate Amelia Ayris said there was not enough education about grooming for children or their parents.
"Grooming can look harmless and be very harmful," she said.
"It needs to be communicated to children and adults because it is so prevalent in child sexual abuse cases."
The 19-year-old is now studying law and politics at university, hoping to one day work in family law.
"I've seen what needs to change within the legal system and where it failed me and so many other young people," she said.
Grooming is the calculated process perpetrators use to gain a child's trust, isolate them and ensure their silence, often happening in plain sight.
But it's not just the child who is groomed. Parents, caregivers and other significant adults are also groomed by the perpetrator.
Almost one in four Australians are not confident in identifying indicators of sexual abuse and only one in five feel confident talking to a child or parent about sexual abuse.
These statistics underscore the critical need for education, particularly in the area of grooming, Bravehearts CEO Alison Geale said.
The leading child protection organisation has launched a national awareness campaign titled "grooming hides behind harmless" in a bid to expose the subtle behaviours of perpetrators.
"This campaign is designed not from a vigilante perspective but it's rather about vigilance," Ms Geale told AAP.
"We want parents to be educated through knowledge, not experience."
The campaign was directed by award-winning actor, singer and writer Leah Purcell who got involved after learning close friends had been impacted by child sexual abuse.
"There's too much silence around it, and people think it will never happen to them," she said.
"The campaign is about giving people the tools they need to stop this happening."
Bravehearts is encouraging all Australians, including parents, teachers, carers, neighbours, coaches and community members to get educated, stay alert and be willing to act.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
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