6Meaning of grooming

6 Meaning of grooming

(1)  For the purposes of section 7 , grooming, in relation to a child, means conduct of a person that –

(a) is intended to establish trust with the aim of normalising sexually harmful behaviour towards, or allowing the person to engage in an unlawful act, sexual offence, or sexual misconduct, against, the child; and

(b) forms part of a pattern of manipulative or controlling behaviour in relation to –

(i) the child; or

(ii) the child's guardian, family or friends; or

(iii) a worker of a relevant entity that provides services to, or has dealings with, the child.

(2)  Without limiting subsection (1) , grooming may –

(a) take place in a range of interpersonal and social settings; and

(b) employ a variety of forms of communication.