Surge in number of adults being groomed by sexual predators on dating apps and social media
Criminologists tell us more and more are happening in the victim's home
Last updated 8th Feb 2022
We're hearing lockdown has led to a huge increase in the number of adults being groomed by sexual predators on dating apps and social media.
In the twelve months to September there were more than 230 thousand rapes and sexual offences recorded in England and Wales, with Criminologists telling us more and more are happening in the victim's home.
They're calling for online developers to improve safeguarding so potential offenders can be better identified and reported to Police.
Dr Michelle McManus, Director of Criminal Justice at John Moores University, said: "We're much more personal online and conversations become much more sexual much quicker because we have that trust, there might even be an exchange of images and it's almost like the offender is purposefully setting this evidence trail of implied consent.
"They are using the ability to engage longer and use that trust, they're manipulators and we need to stop thinking of groomers as child groomers because they are using the same techniques and we need to feel brave and empowered to tell people this is happening and not to be afraid to come forward".