Title: Grooming and Red Flag Behaviors - Darkness to Light
Headings: Grooming and Red Flag Behaviors
Grooming and Red Flag Behaviors
Child grooming is a deliberate process by which offenders gradually initiate and maintain sexual relationships with victims in secrecy.
THE STAGES OF GROOMING
RECOGNIZING RED FLAG BEHAVIOR
Special attention/preference to a child
Gift giving
Touching or hugging the child
Sympathetic listener
Offers to help the family
Gaining access via the internet

Content: Tactics may also include increased attention and affection towards the targeted child. "I know you love jewelry so I got you this watch." Isolating the Child
The perpetrator uses isolation tactics to reinforce their relationship with the child by creating situations in which they are alone together (babysitting, one-on-one coaching, “special” trips). The perpetrator may reinforce the relationship with the child by cultivating a sense that they love and understand the child in a way that others, even their parents, cannot. The adult can start to tell the child that no one cares for them the way they do, not even their parents. "You can trust me because no one understands you the way I do." Sexualizing the Relationship
Once emotional dependence and trust have been built, the perpetrator progressively sexualizes the relationship. This occurs through talking, pictures, and creating situations in which both are naked (swimming). The adult exploits the child’s natural curiosity and trust using stimulation to advance the sexual nature of the relationship. "Have you ever masturbated?