Predator Behavior

Sexual abuse can be difficult to detect. However, awareness of pre-abuse behaviors, also known as grooming, can help detect the potential for abuse.

It’s important to note that predators will use grooming techniques not only on their victims but also on the gatekeepers (e.g., victim’s parents, school employees, and volunteers). It can be beneficial to train faculty and staff on grooming behaviors so they can identify the techniques and take appropriate concerns to school administrators.

Grooming behaviors typically include:

  • Selecting the victim.
  • Gaining trust by cultivating friendships with the gatekeepers.
  • Offering gifts (toys, electronics, money), compliments, and lavish attention.
  • Gaining access by justifying or creating situations to be alone with the victim.
  • Using social media or texting to have private conversations with the victim.
  • Creating opportunities to slowly establish an increasingly physical connection (touches, tickles, hugs).
  • Encouraging or threatening a student to “keep their special secret” by using shame and blame.

These techniques are slowly introduced and can cause abuse to remain a secret for some time—whether the abuse is committed within a school setting or outside of it.

Remember, grooming behaviors are very difficult to spot, but if something seems out of place, bring it to the attention of school leadership. Hold each other accountable and strictly follow policies.