Proteges, shoe-in’s, there’s an age-old practice of preparing someone for a position. The same is true in the CSA world, that is, grooming a child for abuse. This makes them more open to it, or that they may not even see it as abuse (e.g the story pop singer Rita Oro).
Grooming involves building trust and can also involve manipulation of the parent or caretaker of the child.
This makes a parent or caretaker more inclined to give alone time with their child and the potential offender.
Grooming also makes it harder for a child to tell, as well as for the caretaker to believe the child…
“Oh, s/he did what? No, we know him/her so well, I’m sure you were mistaking what happened..”
Here are some signals. And please remember, it can sometimes be hard to distinguish between a genuinely caring adult or older child, and one that may be grooming a child for abuse. But simply being aware of these realities can help stop potentially dangerous situations.
//Would you like more info abuse prevention, or a train-the-trainer? Let's connect!//
General Signals of Grooming
- Does the adult or older child show favoritism to any children?
- Is the adult or older child giving gifts to the child?
- Is the adult or older child physically affectionate with the child? (some people can be more inclined to touch, but pay attention if the adult or older child asks for permission, or if they stop the behavior if asked to do so.
For Online grooming, look out for:
- If the fellow gamer or contact is giving digital gifts, V-bucks, etc.
- Pay attention to any chats or conversation.
- Is there mutual respect in the communication, or does it seem one is dominating?
- Are there requests to meet in public? Danger!
Simply being aware is a huge part of prevention 👍🏽
It’s so important to talk to kids at an early age
– about body boundaries (that kids have the right to “say” about their bodies),
–good pictures and bad pictures, and
-CSA– in an age appropriate way
Keep being alert online, in friend groups, sports clubs, scouts, youth orgs,.. anywhere kids are.
Especially in times of Covid when parents are sometimes asked not to attend sports/activity practices anymore.
And also as many kids and youth are on screens/smartphones at increasingly early ages.
Because sadly, showing children pornographic material can also be used in grooming.
Keep up the great work, keep talking, keep getting informed! The kids need you!
Would you like more info abuse prevention, how to talk to kids about these things, or a train-the-trainer? Let’s connect!//
