Jakarta - Clinical psychologist who graduated from the University of Indonesia, Kasandra A. Putranto, said that child grooming and pedophilia are two different things but their dangers must still be watched out for.
"The increasing cases of child abuse and exploitation, referring to cases that have been proven to occur anywhere, whether at home, school, workplace or place of worship, show the need for serious attention from the community and government," said Kasandra when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta, Friday.
Kasandra said child grooming is a process carried out by a perpetrator, usually an adult, in building an emotional relationship with a child with the aim of exploiting the child sexually.
The process often involves manipulation, deception, and control, with the perpetrator attempting to gain the trust of the child and/or their parents before committing the abuse. Perpetrators can do this in person or through social media and online platforms.