Grooming Behaviors

The way a perpetrator builds a trusting relationship with a child is considered grooming. This makes it very difficult for the child to escape the abuse or tell anyone about the abuse.  The child often feels loyal to their abuser and will blame themselves for the abuse. Power and authority are often used as a form of manipulation.

Signs of grooming:

• Giving the child gifts/money
• Finding ways to spend one-on-one time with the child
• Showing favoritism to the child over other children
• Watching the child undress or bathe
• Showing the child pornography
• Excessive “appropriate” touching
• Talking about sexual activities with the child