Child grooming is a deliberate process by which offenders gradually initiate and maintain sexual relationships with victims in secrecy. On the surface, grooming a child can look like a close relationship between the offending adult, the targeted child and (potentially) the child’s caregivers. By recognizing grooming behavior you can intervene, below are some examples of red-flag behaviors:
- 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.