- Lee Barr
- Summer 2026
Faculty instructor: Annette Jenkins
Abstract
Background
Nearly 1 in 20 boys and 1 in 4 girls will experience sexual abuse before the age of 18. Child sexual abuse (CSA) can cause lifelong physical and mental health consequences for the survivor, yet it is preventable (United States Centers for Disease Control, 2024). Recent research indicates that grooming behaviors are utilized by perpetrators in 99% of CSA (Winters et al., 2024). Most education about grooming understandably targets the adult audience, as adults are responsible for protecting children from sexual abuse (Winters & Jeglic, 2022). Because the prevalence of sexual abuse and sexual assault rises considerably in late adolescence (from 16.8% at age 15 to 26.6% at age 17 for girls and 4.3% to 5.1% for boys), education geared toward teens is also necessary to raise awareness of grooming among this age group (Finkelhor et al., 2014).
Purpose
This project aims to educate middle and high school students through a one-page infographic on the definition of grooming, common grooming behaviors, what grooming may feel like, and what to do if they suspect or experience grooming and/or CSA.
Methods
A literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed articles to synthesize the latest evidence on CSA and grooming. To develop the infographic, I consulted a middle school social worker, middle school teacher, and a licensed mental health therapist who works with adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Their perspectives and expertise contributed to the core content, tone, and resources presented.
Discussion
This project promotes abuse prevention through open communication among adolescents about grooming and CSA, a public health concern that both conditions and depends upon victim and bystander silence.
Keywords: grooming, abuse prevention, child sexual abuse, adolescence