Title: 6 Subtle Ways Child Predators ‘Groom’ Their Victims | The Mighty
Headings: 6 Subtle Ways Child Predators 'Groom' Their Victims
6 Subtle Ways Child Predators 'Groom' Their Victims
Editor's Note
What is “grooming” in child sexual abuse?
Classic Grooming Behaviors
1. Singling Out the Child as “Special”
2. Befriending Family Members of the Child
3. Isolating the Child
4. Gradually Exposing the Child to Sexual Content
5. Pushing Physical Boundaries
6. Encouraging Secrecy
How to Protect Your Child From Sexual Predators
1. Know the Signs of Grooming and Child Abuse
2. Talk to Your Child About Safety
3. Trust Your Gut
4. Report It
Resources
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Content: Grooming behaviors take place first to just lower the child’s inhibitions, to make them feel comfortable,” Reed said. “ Then they might start with a picture of the child, maybe in their underwear, or even showing the child a picture of a naked person. It kind of starts like that before any actual physical contact begins.” Once the child has been exposed to visual sexual content, the perpetrator may start to introduce sexual touching, the intended outcome of the grooming process. 5. Pushing Physical Boundaries
Reed told The Mighty a perpetrator will often start to push physical boundaries, starting with innocent touching that eventually leads to inappropriate sexual contact. “They may push physical boundaries, you know, want to give hugs, or let the kids sit in their lap, or tickle the kid,” she said. The perpetrator might also encourage activities that require undressing like going swimming or shopping. Once the abuser begins to sexualize the relationship, things can become very confusing for the child. A child may struggle with not wanting sexual contact, but finding their body responds to sexual stimulation in a way that “feels good.”