This course provides an understanding and definition of what Com groups are and how they operate, before covering the three major harm types: sextortion, offline, and cyber, and the key points of how each harm operates, to gain understanding and see how the training relates to the real world.

We cover safeguarding and intervention-related topics, such as alpha victims and understanding what non-ideological extremism is.

The session will consider vulnerabilities and warning signs for both young people who are becoming victims of Com group harm, as well as young people engaging in committing harm. We'll look at current convictions, law enforcement operations, and the implications of the landmark June 2026 UK conviction, to highlight what is and can be done to counter these issues.

Learning objectives

• Understand what Com groups are and how they operate
• Understand how the three types of harm operate
• Identify vulnerabilities and warning signs for both victims and perpetrators
• Understand the concepts of non-ideological extremism and alpha victims
• Consider a current conviction and its implications for tackling Com groups in the future

This session will be led by Stella Frangleton.