Many adult predators “groom” their victims, creating an emotional and psychological connection with a child to lay the groundwork for future sexual abuse. Some basic signs of child grooming can include taking an undue interest in someone else’s child, or calling a child a “special friend.” Groomers may give money or gifts for no reason, or invite a potential victim on isolated day trips or outings without the child’s parents. For more signs of grooming behavior, read the VIRTUS® article “The Sometimes Hostile Community Response Regarding the Allegation of Child Sexual Abuse” at lacatholics.org/did-you-know/.

Read the VIRTUS® article “The Sometimes Hostile Community Response Regarding the Allegation of Child Sexual Abuse” here.