Sexual Online Grooming of Children - Insights from a case file analysis (Part 2)

• In Event: Sex-Related Cybercrimes: Grooming, Intimate Image, Sextortion

Abstract

Sexual online grooming (SOG) refers to the use of information and communication technology to initiate sexual contact with a child. The perpetrators use manipulative measures, for example (sexual) compliments or blackmail, to persuade the victims to engage in sexual acts or to send pornografic images. Some offenders establish romantic relationships with their victims, whereby the duration and depth of the connection may vary. Others apply a “quick and dirty” method, introducing a highly sexualized content in the beginning of the contact without making an effort to build trust.

Based on findings from a case file analysis on SOG (part 1), this presentation will focus on the transfer of the generated knowledge about offenders and victims, risk factors, grooming strategies, and investigative approaches into practice. Recommendations for action for investigation and prevention practice will be presented and discussed. These include various aspects such as risk assessment of perpetrators, promising factors in criminal investigation, empowerment of potential victims, promotion of media literacy, sensitization of parents, etc. These recommendations are fundamental for the development of training and awareness-raising measures for the police, the judiciary and other target groups (e.g. teachers, school social work, media education, child and youth welfare).

The findings about SOG are based on a case file analysis conducted at the Criminological Research Department (KKF) within the State Office of Criminal Investigations (LKA) in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Police data was used to identify cases of sexual online grooming of children. Thereafter, a sample of 250 cases was systematically analyzed using a quantitative approach.

The study is part of a joint research project funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Authors

• Melanie Auf dem Berge, State Office of Criminal Investigations North Rhine-Westphalia / Landeskriminalamt Nordrhein-Westfalen

• Franziska Franz, State Office of Criminal Investigations North Rhine-Westphalia / Landeskriminalamt Nordrhein-Westfalen