Preventing Grooming
& Sexual Abuse

A webinar with Anna Clarke, Psychologist & DV/SA Support Specialist

Thank you for joining us for this vital conversation. This webinar was created to empower parents, psychologists, educators, and those working with young people to confidently recognise and prevent grooming and sexual abuse, especially in the context of neurodivergent vulnerability.

Content Warning: This webinar includes discussion of grooming and sexual abuse. While it is designed to be practical and not trauma-heavy, we encourage you to take care while engaging with the content.

This webinar runs for 2.5 hours. Closed captions are available on the video player. We encourage you to watch this webinar in a quiet space, at your own pace. While the content is designed to be empowering and not trauma-heavy, please take breaks as needed and prioritise your wellbeing.

Downloadable Resources

Session Summary

This session explores the realities of grooming and sexual abuse, with a focus on how neurodivergent and marginalised people are disproportionately impacted. Anna Clarke (psychologist, play therapist, and neurodivergent advocate) breaks down the stages of grooming, the tactics offenders use, and the long-term impacts this process can have on identity, trust, and safety.

The session centres neurodiversity-affirming approaches, providing clear, practical information for recognising grooming early, disrupting harmful dynamics, and responding in safe, trauma-informed ways.

Topics Covered

  • Understanding grooming as a deliberate and manipulative process

  • Common tactics used by offenders

  • Risk factors including social isolation and ableism

  • Grooming in adult contexts (e.g. therapy, healthcare, education)

  • The impact of grooming on trust, identity and safety

  • How to respond and where to seek support

Resources and Links

Need Help?

If you have questions about the content or need further support, you’re welcome to reach out to us:

info@divergentfutures.com.au

What’s Next?

If this session raised questions or sparked reflection, here are a few ways to keep learning:

  • Join our mailing list for upcoming webinars and resources

  • Share this session with someone in your network who may benefit from it

  • Consider how this knowledge could be applied in your workplace, family, or community