Title: 
Headings: 

Content: Trust development. In the third stage of sexual grooming, the abuser works to gain the trust of the victim, their guardian(s) and the community so that they can engage in the abuse without detection. During this stage, the offender works to gain the trust of the intended victim by giving them small gifts, special attention, or sharing secrets. This makes the child feel special and gives them the belief that they have a caring relationship with the perpetrator. These types of behaviors will change depending upon the age of the child. For younger children, it may involve playing games, going on outings, or getting presents while for adolescents it may involve the discussion of their personal lives, access to cigarettes, drugs, or alcohol, and sharing “secrets” that they don’t tell their guardians. Sandusky would often take special boys to football games or give them small gifts. During this period, the perpetrator may also work to groom the guardian not to believe the child by telling the guardian that the child is acting out or telling lies. Desensitization to touch. This is generally the last stage of the grooming process before the actual abuse begins.