The Grooming Process

One of the biggest misconceptions about trafficking is that it looks like kidnapping.

Most of the time it doesn’t.

It looks like attention.
It looks like affirmation.
It looks like someone finally “understanding” your child.

This is called grooming a calculated process traffickers use to build trust before exploitation begins.

According to the Polaris Project, traffickers frequently target vulnerabilities: loneliness, family conflict, financial stress, insecurity, or a desire for independence.

The Grooming Pattern Often Follows This Path:

1. Targeting – Identifying a vulnerability.

2. Gaining Trust – Gifts, compliments, emotional support.

3. Isolation – Encouraging secrecy.

4. Dependency – Becoming the primary emotional or financial source.

5. Exploitation – Manipulation, coercion, or force.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reports that online enticement cases have dramatically increased in recent years, especially through social media and gaming platforms.

The warning signs aren’t always dramatic. They can include:

• Sudden secrecy about devices

• New expensive items without explanation

• Withdrawal from family

• An older “friend” no one has met

Prevention starts with conversation not control.

Ask questions.
Stay involved.
Know who they’re talking to.
And most importantly make sure your child knows they can come to you without fear.

Because traffickers don’t start with chains.

They start with charm.

Sources:
Polaris Project – Grooming and recruitment trends
NCMEC – Online Enticement Reports

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