Adult Grooming and Mental Health Research Summary

Less than 1% of victims of adult grooming escape with no impact on their mental health. There are signs that younger people are more likely to be groomed, but in general targets fall almost exactly in line with the UK population

Consequences:

1.       Anger 3.2%

2.       Anxiety and Panic Attacks 21.1% of respondents reported anxiety and/or panic attacks as one of the three worst consequences, 72% overall

3.       CPTSD/PTSD 55%

4.       Damaged relationships 67.1%

5.       Damaged reputation 4%

6.       Depression 31.6% of respondents reported depression as one of the three worst consequences, 63% overall

7.       Drug and alcohol Addiction 3.7%

8.       Eating problems 2.2%

9.       Living in Fear 15.2%

10.  Losing out financially 15.5%

11.  Guilt and Shame 18.5%

12.  Lost homes/homes put at risk 6.7%

13.  Lost jobs/prospects 19.5%

14.  Physical symptoms 5.9%

15.  Self-esteem issues 66.8%

16.  Problems with sex and questioning their own sexuality 4.5%

17.  Sleep disturbance 4.3%

18.  Suicide and Self Harm 9.9%

19.  Stress 2%

20.  Trust Issues 41.4

21.  University Studies affected 6%

Other consequences: sadness, confusion, disassociation, emotional dysregulation and the exacerbation of existing mental health conditions. Several respondents mention the grief of losing a partner/relationship, whilst knowing that this wasn’t real, and a sadness over lost time. Among the consequences of sexual grooming are STDs and abortions.

Findings about getting counselling help:

·       The doctor is really important when refering people for counselling support.

·       One in 5 people didn’t get the right counsellor.

·       There are numerous barriers to accessing counselling.