Child grooming

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Child grooming is a term which describes when an adult becomes "friends" with a child to lower the inhibitions of the child sometimes to prepare for sexual abuse. So, any action taken by an adult to form a trusting relationship with a child, with the intent of later having sexual contact, is 'child grooming'.^[1]

The act of grooming a child may include activities that are legal, but later lead to sexual contact. The grooming is done to gain the child's trust, and the trust of those responsible for the child. Children are less likely to report a crime if it involves someone the child knows, trusts, and cares about. Also, a relationship with the family means the child's parents will be less likely to believe any accusations.

1. ↑ Crosson-Tower, Cynthia 2005. Understanding child abuse and neglect. Allyn & Bacon. ISBN 020540183X.