VSC Podcast Episode 103 - Online Grooming - a podcast by Victim Service Center

How are social media platforms like TikTok being used to groom children? Come join VSC Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell as she chats with Children’s Advocacy Center’s Ann Pimentel-Kerr and former VSC Intern Mahnaz Asif to chat about Online Grooming, what signs to look out for, the effects of sexual abuse, and ways we can help prevent grooming and abuse.

Ann Pimentel-Kerr uses she/her pronouns and is the Children’s Advocacy Center Specialist at the Children Advocacy Center in Central Florida. Ann has over 25 years of experience working with children & families, and in the social services/child welfare arena. Her experience includes working with children and adults in psychiatric facilities, DCF child abuse investigations, supervision, and many years as a child welfare trainer.

Mahnaz Asif uses she/her pronouns and is a third year graduate student at Rollins completing her masters in clinical mental health counseling. She completed her pre-practicum therapy internship here at the VSC. Mahnaz recently wrote a blog for the VSC on Online Grooming and is passionate about preventing child sexual abuse. In the future, she plans to work with children and families experiencing trauma.

You can listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/UqZpYrOUvsw

You can also listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Check out Mahnaz’s blog here: https://www.victimservicecenter.org/grooming-how-can-we-protect-children-from-online-grooming/

Want to make a difference? Visit Victimservicecenter.org to learn how you can get involved and help the VSC continue supporting survivors of trauma.

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Trigger Warning: In this podcast we will be discussing sensitive topics such as Sexual Assault. It's important to take care of yourself while listening. Some suggestions are listening while you're in a healthy head space or knowing who you can reach out to if you become upset. Our 24/7 helpline for crisis calls based out of Central Florida is 407 500 HEAL, for the Florida state sexual helpline call (888) 956-7273. By contacting the National Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 you can get support and learn about your local resources. There is always someone ready to help.

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