Word of the Day: Grooming

In the child advocacy world, education is key to abuse prevention. Kids shouldn't be responsible for protecting themselves against abusers. But teaching kids body safety rules like "I don't keep secrets" gives them tools to use when alone. It also gives caregivers talking points.

A recent study published in the journal CHILD MALTREATMENT revealed that of all the grooming strategies used by offenders, intentional secret-keeping = longer periods of abuse.

As National Children's Alliance CEO Teresa Huizar shared in her March 2, 2026, column, "This finding affirms the work that we, as CACs and MDTs, are already engaged in, both in our prevention and in our intervention work. We are already educating children, parents and caregivers, and community members on ways to counter abuse concealment grooming tactics. We are already teaching our clients and our communities about the importance of talking about abuse – and about how to hear a disclosure once it is made. We know that delays in disclosure 'impact opportunities for both legal intervention and psychological support for the child, as well as the likelihood of continued abuse.' 1. This study gives us further support for the work that we do, and the importance of it to the children and families we serve."