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Case 1:20-cr-00330-PAE Document 397-1 Filed 10/29/21 Page 31 of 43 Taylor & Francis Group Journal of Sexual Aggression : Routledge (November 2006), Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 287 299 Sexual grooming of children: Review of literature and theoretical considerations Samantha Craven,'** Sarah Brown! & Elizabeth Gilchrist” 1 Department of Psychology, Coventry University, Coventry, UK, and *Department of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK Abstract The current review aims to outline the existing understanding of sexual grooming. Issues of poor definition, the adoption of the term “grooming” and the prevalence of sexual grooming will be discussed. Consideration will be given to how prominent theories of child sexual abuse often neglect sexual grooming. This will be followed by a detailed account of the existing knowledge within the literature. Three types of sexual grooming were thus identified: self-grooming, grooming the environment and significant others and grooming the child. Based on these findings, a new definition of sexual grooming is suggested. Furthermore, the findings correspond well with current models of the sexual offence process. A more comprehensive understanding of sexual grooming 1s required to facilitate a preventative approach to child protection. Keywords Sexual grooming; theory of child sexual abuse Introduction The complex nature of the tactics used by child sex offenders in their efforts to sexually abuse children is increasingly evident in the accounts of the people affected by this predatory behaviour. Sexual grooming is a pertinent issue evident in society, but there is still little understanding about this phenomenon. This is reflected in problems relating to definition, which will be discussed in addition to the evolution of the term “grooming”. This review will consider whether present aetiological theories of child sexual abuse can account for “sexual grooming” behaviour, and further determines what knowledge has already been established about the phenomenon of sexual grooming. Based on these findings, a new definition is presented and consideration is given to how current knowledge of sexual grooming relate to models of the sexual offence process. Definition Professionals are yet to agree on a definition of sexual grooming of children (Gillespie, 2004). Previous literature has provided three specific definitions of grooming. The strengths and *Corresponding author: Samantha Craven, Department of Psychology, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK. Tel: 02476 887 048. Fax: 02476 888300. E-mail: s.craven@coventry.ac.uk ISSN 1355 2600 print/1742 6545 online © 2006 National Organisation for the Treatment of Abusers DOT: 10.1080/13552600601069414 DOJ-OGR- 00005898