Christians United Against
Human Trafficking
501(c)3 non-profit organization - your support
of this ministry is tax deductible
To report suspected human trafficking in Florida call 855-FLA-SAFE (855-352-7233) or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 - Do NOT report trafficking on this site!
What is Grooming?
Grooming is a calculated and deliberate process used by abusers—often traffickers—to establish trust and emotional connection with a child or adult, with the ultimate goal of exploitation. This manipulation can unfold over a few days or stretch across several months. For the groomer, it’s a strategic investment of time, carefully designed to lower the defenses of their target.
They begin by identifying individuals who may feel isolated, have low self-esteem, or crave validation—those who are especially vulnerable to attention and praise. Compliments, kindness, and gestures of care are used to make the target feel valued, seen, and emotionally supported. Groomers are skilled at recognizing unmet emotional needs and will go to great lengths to fill that void, often showering their target with gifts, money, or other tokens of affection. These acts deepen the illusion of love and trust. The victim may begin to believe, “They give me what I want—they must truly care about me.”
Over time, the groomer positions themselves as the only person who truly understands and cares for the victim, often more than their own family. This emotional manipulation creates a powerful psychological grip. By the time the victim feels completely dependent, the groomer has gained control—subtly coercing them into actions that serve the abuser’s interests, often without the victim realizing they’re being exploited.
What You Can Do
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Stay connected: Regular, open conversations with your child build trust and make it easier for them to come to you if something feels off.
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Watch for changes: Sudden shifts in behavior, secrecy, or unexplained gifts can be red flags.
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Teach boundaries: Help your child understand what healthy relationships look like—and that love doesn’t come with strings attached.
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Be a safe space: If your child feels seen and heard at home, they’re less likely to seek that validation elsewhere.
One of the most important things we can teach children is the confidence to trust their instincts. If something feels off, even if they don't understand why, they need to know it’s okay to walk away (sign off, log out, etc) and speak to someone they trust (parent, teacher, counselor, school resource officers, etc.) That quiet nudge of discomfort, that subtle sense that something isn’t right, is reason enough, period!
As parents, it’s essential that we become their safe harbor. Let your child know that no matter the situation, the circumstances, you are ready, willing and able to stop what you're doing and pick them up or give a listening ear! And when they do come to you, meet them with understanding. Don’t brush it off or make them feel foolish. Instead, validate their feelings and praise them for listening to their inner voice.
By doing this, we help them build self-trust and sharpen their awareness. It’s not just about protecting them in the moment—it’s about empowering them to recognize and respond to those signals throughout their lives.
Empowerment goes a long way!