Groomed

To be “groomed” refers to a process by which an individual, often a child, is gradually drawn into a potentially harmful or abusive situation, often by someone they trust. In the context of abuse and exploitation, grooming refers to the steps a predator may take to build trust and emotional connection with a child or vulnerable adult in order to manipulate and exploit them. This process can involve the predator slowly increasing their control over the victim, slowly escalating their behavior, and eventually leading them into a situation where they are at risk of harm.

Grooming can occur in various forms of exploitation such as child sexual abuse, trafficking, and online exploitation. It is important for individuals, especially children, to be taught about potential grooming tactics and for adults to be vigilant in recognizing and reporting suspected grooming behavior.