Grooming in Spanish law is a serious criminal offence regulated under Article 183 bis of the Código Penal de España (Spanish Criminal Code). It refers to the deliberate and manipulative conduct by an adult to gain the trust of a minor (under 16 years of age) for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity, whether online or offline.
📜 Artículo 183 bis – Código Penal español (Ley Orgánica 10/1995)
Traducción libre al inglés y explicación jurídica
🧑⚖️ Texto legal en español (resumen):
El que, a través de Internet, teléfono o cualquier tecnología de la información y la comunicación, contacte con un menor de dieciséis años y proponga concertar un encuentro para cometer cualquier delito contra la libertad e indemnidad sexual, será castigado con pena de prisión de uno a tres años.
Si además se emplean medios coactivos, engañosos o intimidatorios (como suplantar identidad o uso de amenazas), la pena puede ser agravada.
🔍 Key elements (in English):
- Who: Any adult (over 18 years of age)
- Victim: A minor under the age of 16
- How: Contact made via Internet, mobile phone, chat, social media, video games, or other digital means
- Intent: To arrange a meeting or establish a relationship with the intent to commit a sexual offence
- Penalty: 1 to 3 years of imprisonment, potentially more if deception, coercion, or threats are involved
⚠️ What is considered grooming under Spanish law?
- Sending sexually suggestive messages to minors
- Asking for intimate photos or videos
- Trying to convince or pressure the minor to meet in person
- Using fake identities or adult-to-child manipulation tactics
- Sending gifts, compliments, or pretending to be a peer to gain trust
🧠 Neuroscience and victim psychology perspective:
Grooming is insidious because it’s not always overtly violent. It involves emotional manipulation, gradually breaking down a child’s natural boundaries. This is why it’s so damaging psychologically and neurologically—particularly during the critical brain development phases of childhood and adolescence. The child’s sense of trust, safety, and identity may be profoundly disrupted.
👮 Procedural note in court cases:
- Investigators often track digital evidence, including chat logs, metadata, and screenshots.
- Courts typically use forensic IT analysis to trace the perpetrator’s online behavior.
- Testimony from minors is often taken via special methods (e.g., Cámara Gesell) to avoid re-traumatization.
✅ Key takeaways:
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Article | Art. 183 bis Código Penal |
| Crime | Online grooming of minors |
| Victim | Minor under 16 years old |
| Conduct | Contacting with intent to commit a sexual offence |
| Means | Internet, phone, apps, games, any digital channel |
| Penalty | 1–3 years imprisonment, can increase if aggravating |
| Legal classification | Delito contra la libertad e indemnidad sexual de menores |
