Historic ruling shows how misogynistic networks normalize grooming & child abuse

On Thursday, the verdict was delivered against the 18-year-old man who was a leading figure in the misogynistic extremist network 764. He was sentenced to ten years and six months in prison for, among other things, aggravated sexual and violent crimes against children. ChildX has followed and participated as an expert witness in the process and wants to specifically highlight what the ruling says about how children can be subjected to severe violence and exploitation remotely – through manipulation, grooming, threats, and online control.

A central part of the ruling is that the court establishes that the children did not participate voluntarily but were forced, and were in a very vulnerable situation that the perpetrator himself had contributed to creating or reinforcing.

This is important because it makes visible a form of vulnerability that is still difficult for many to understand: a child does not need to be in the same room as their abuser to be subjected to very serious abuse and violence.

“It is important that the district court highlights how normalization encompasses both perpetrators and the victims within the misogynistic extremist environment. During the district court proceedings, ChildX highlighted how the network uses guides and manuals on how perpetrators can subject children to grooming, sexual abuse, and extortion,” says Sophie Josephson, Policy Advisor at ChildX.

The ruling also describes how the current online environment, linked to networks such as The Com and 764, is characterized by a rapid and extensive normalization of actions that are clearly unacceptable outside that environment – including where children are induced to self-harm, and where documented sexual abuse, extortion, and threats contribute to status and recognition.

“The ruling also makes visible how digital environments can be used to normalize abuse and shift children’s boundaries. When threats, extortion, and sexual abuse become part of the environment, it can be very difficult for a child to defend themselves or understand that what is happening is abuse,” says Sophie Josephson.

One in four children has been subjected to attempted grooming. Through ChildX’s digital tool The Grooming Generator, you as an adult can experience how the manipulation can take place through a simulated SMS conversation. You also receive support on how to act as an adult.