Adult grooming happens when someone builds a fake relationship with you. They pretend to care but actually want to exploit you for sex, money, or control.
How Grooming Works
- They Target You
- Groomers carefully choose who to manipulate, seeking those vulnerable, lonely or going through hard times.
- They Gain Trust
- They use kind words, gifts, support and promises to make you feel special. They seem to understand you perfectly.
- They Create Dependency
- They make you feel you need them. You might depend on their approval, money, protection, or guidance.
- They Isolate You
- Groomers slowly separate you from others. They may criticise friends, cause drama, or say no one else understands you.
- They Test Your Boundaries
- They make small inappropriate requests—then bigger ones. If you resist, they use guilt or threats.
- They Slowly Change You
- Over time, they get you to do things you normally wouldn’t. They make you doubt yourself if you question them.
- They Control and Exploit You
- Once they have power over you, they demand things: secrecy, obedience, sexual acts, money, or loyalty.
Download the full grooming guide
