Work

Predictors of Abuse Duration in In-Person Child Sexual Grooming Cases

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Sexual grooming strategies are common in cases of child sexual abuse and may hinder the likelihood of abuse disclosures. The current study analyzed the effects of known sexual grooming strategies on the duration of experienced child sexual abuse. Canadian judicial decisions of sexual abuse cases involving in-person sexual grooming (N = 153) were coded for grooming strategies and duration of abuse. Six grooming strategies were assessed: identify a vulnerable victim, build trust, enticements and control, sexual desensitization, physical isolation, and concealment of abuse. The number of grooming strategies used with a child did not influence abuse duration. Only grooming behaviors related to concealing abuse significantly predicted longer durations of abuse. These findings indicate that grooming strategies used to conceal child sexual abuse not only hinder disclosure but may also prolong the duration of abuse by enabling its continuation.

Source: Child Maltreatment

DOI: 10.1177/10775595261425927

Authors: Kayla D. Schick, Kaila C. Bruer, Katie A. Berens, Angela D. Evans, Heather L. Price

Institutions: McGill University, University of Regina, Simon Fraser University, Brock University, Thompson Rivers University

Language: English

Topic: Child Abuse and Trauma

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900