9 Grooming Tactics Con Artists Use to Manipulate “Targets” (Unmasking Sexual Con Games, Chapter 2)
By Emerald O’Brien
The Nine Grooming Tactics Con Artists use to gain control of a “target” include: Jealousy and possessiveness, Insecurity, Intimidation, Anger, Accusations, Flattery, Status, Bribery and Control. Once teens can recognize the specific tactics that groomers use to manipulate their targets they can more easily detect and avoid the “players.”
Expressions of jealousy and other difficult feelings are normal from time to time but they are used by a con artist to manipulate. These tactics are unhealthy in any relationship. You should never be pushed into a relationship that you’re not ready for.
You need to develop a healthy response to difficult feelings. Instead try to Name, Tame and Claim your feelings. Taming means to find a way to express yourself appropriately. Usually find a trusted adult or wise friend who will support you (like journaling, talking, crying, counseling. etc.) Once you recognize what you’re feeling you can move beyond it.
Insecurity is an attempt to control the target’s thoughts and feelings about herself. The groomer hopes that the target will feel so bad and insecure about herself that she will stay in a relationship with the groomer and become reluctant to open up to […]
Sandy Bober shares her personal testimony about being raped in college, her infection with an STD and her struggles and ultimate victory to regain her self-esteem, healthy relationships and a successful marriage.
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