How Sexual Predators Groom Their Victims & What to Do About It

In “How Sexual Predators Groom Their Victims & What to Do About It,” episode #095, Meredith Curtis talks about the cunning and manipulative process pedophiles use to target their unsuspecting victims and their parents. Grooming breaks down the natural barriers that protect children and teens from becoming victims. She explains how to recognize toxic behavior and protect your children and teens from this evil.

 

 

 

Show Notes

When you are uncomfortable with a relationship.

Some statistics say that 1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 5 boys are sexually abused before they turn 18. Most of these abusers are family members or close family friends. Some are church members.

Examples.

These men and women all groomed their future victims before touching them. Grooming takes time and involves a step-by-step breaking down of natural barriers.

Predators target a victim and gain that victim’s trust by filling a void in the child/teen’s life, creating a special bond, and isolating them. They often desensitize them little by little before abusing and after maintain control with blame and shame.

Pedophiles are usually friendly, good with children, good-natured, and likeable. They are hard to spot.

And here’s something that makes it even harder. Sexual predators often befriend parents and caregivers.

A Predator’s Goal is to Gradually Increase Access to the Child/Teen so They Can Engage in Sexual Activity with Them. This is a Premeditated Crime!

Process (Not Necessarily in Precise Order)

* Pay Special Attention to a Child or Teen to make them feel like honored

* Provide a Listening Ear to lonely teens/children or teens/children who are not getting along with parents

* Compliment, Exhibit Interest in, Learn Child’s/Teen’s Habits & Likes & Dislikes, Pretend to Share Common Interests

* Isolate

* Involve Child in an Activity that Requires them to be Alone Together

* The First Physical Contact Between a Predator and his Victim is almost always Non-Sexual

* Cross Boundaries

* Introducing Sexual Content

* “Acceptable Touches” linger and eventually Involve Private Areas or Seeing One Another Naked.

* Will Treat Child as a Co-Conspirator—This Behavior is Why Victims Blame Themselves

And remember, sexual abuse is a crime and should be reported. Sexual abusers always move on to the next victim.

Online Grooming

Online grooming occurs on websites, computer games, social media sites, and other places online. A predator appears kind and helpful. He/she initiates and cultivates a friendship with the child/teen that eventually results in taking/sending sexual photos, sexting, meeting in real life to engage in sexual activities, or trafficking.

Online grooming follows the same pattern of filling a void, making them feel special, and isolation. Boundary testing is an additional aspect of grooming online. They will actually gauge the level of threat from the parents by finding out how devices are monitored.

If your child is secretive about online activities, check it out! Fast!

Don’t allow computers, phones, etc. behind closed doors.

The apps favored by online predators have the following things in common:

* The ability to send and receive messages

* The ability to track the location

* The ability to exchange photos and videos

* The ability to stream live video

* The ability to hide content