The term “grooming” generally refers to someone who gains the trust of a minor with the eventual goal of sexually abusing them. Often, it’s done in person – for example, by a clergy member, coach or teacher. It can also be done online, where a child may not even know with whom they’re communicating – especially if the person doing the grooming poses as another child or teen.
Increasing, grooming is being specifically addressed in state laws across the country. Here in Georgia, a law that criminalizes grooming as a felony that can carry up to a five-year prison sentence was enacted just two years ago.
What does the law say?
Specifically, the offense is “grooming a minor for indecent purposes.” This is separate from offenses involving child molestation and sexual acts involving minors. In fact, no sexual offense has to occur for someone to be charged with or convicted of grooming.
The law specifies that a person “commits the offense of grooming of a minor when such person knowingly and intentionally engages in a pattern of conduct or communication in person; through a third party; through the use of an electronic device, a computer, social media, or text messages; or by any other means to gain access to, to gain the compliance of, to prepare, to persuade, to induce, or to coerce a minor to engage in a sexual offense or trafficking of persons for sexual servitude.”
It is not a defense to claim or prove “that no sexual offense or trafficking of persons for sexual servitude was accomplished or attempted.” The law does specify that only those 18 or older and “no less than 48 months older than the alleged victim” can be charged with this offense.
With this law, grooming a minor for indecent purposes can be charged as a standalone offense. It’s more likely to be charged along with other sex-related offenses with minors.
Like all of these offenses, being charged with grooming – and certainly be convicted of it – can have a significant effect on someone’s life. That’s why having experienced legal guidance is crucial for anyone facing this charge.