Grooming in Abusive Relationships
There is a misconception that grooming only occurs in cases of child abuse or pedophilia. While those instances are a common place to find grooming, it is also all too common in romantic relationships. So how do you know if you, or someone in your life is being groomed, and what can you do to support someone who you know is being groomed. First of all, what is grooming? Grooming is a tactic of manipulation purposely used by a manipulator to establish a false since of security for the target. A manipulator will often buy their target gifts, plan elaborate dates, and supply compliments to make their target feel loved and supported. Grooming often looks like dating, but it comes with a nasty twist. Once the manipulator feels that the target is feeling secure in the relationship, they will begin to exhibit signs of visibly controlling or abusive behavior. This behavior is introduced so gradually that it may often come across as normal. The t...