Grooming is a term used in recent years to describe the actions of a perpetrator before, during, and after the sexual abuse of a child. The child forms an emotional bond with this person, and this makes it extremely difficult at times for the abuse to be discovered and recognized.
My experience with grooming was quite typical. I formed an emotional attachment with a close relative who took advantage of my love for animals. Before he “made his move,” I first came to love and trust him. Since I was a teenager when he molested me, I at least knew what he did was wrong, so I was able to tell other family members what had happened.
Many children who are groomed do not get that chance. They are told to keep the abuse a secret or even threatened. Oftentimes the perpetrator will reward the child with gifts, attention, and lies that appear positive to the child. As adults, we need to be aware and keep our eyes open for these groomers, especially in families with histories of abuse. Let’s do all we can to prevent these groomers from hurting our kids.