What is Grooming?

The materials on this page center survivor voices and lived experiences of abuse, grooming, and disclosure. While these stories are shared to promote awareness and prevention, they may be upsetting for some viewers. You are encouraged to pause, step away, or seek support as needed.

This short animation tells Jeremy’s story of childhood sexual abuse and provide examples of grooming and why it is important to talk to children.

Secret Survivors is an interview-based theater project featuring adult survivors of child sexual abuse telling their personal stories on stage. Secret Survivors is part of the Undesirable Elements series of Pink Fang (formerly Ping Chong and Company)

This video was created by Jeremy Indika. In this video you will find a live re-enactment and portrayal of a survivor's life.

A Survivors Story: D's Story

D was 5 when she was placed in the care of a 12-year-old relative who showed red flag behaviors. She was told to listen and not cause trouble and was basically taking care of herself. Her mother suspected something and told her to avoid abuse. The abuse was discovered only when someone walked in on it. The abuse wasn’t addressed, though she spent less time with her abuser.

Four years later, D was abused by an adult male relative who was supposed to be in charge of her. She felt helpless and trapped and was threatened that no one would believe her. She later disclosed the abuse, but the abuser denied it and wasn’t held accountable. She received no help or acknowledgment from her family.

It took many tries in therapy before she could talk about the abuse. Therapy helped her feel stronger, let go of sadness, and think beyond what she thought of herself. When she addressed the abuse, she realized the harsh consequences of abuse, including struggles with relationships, lack of trust, anger, resentment, and health challenges. She also had to acknowledge family patterns that allowed the abuse to occur.

Despite everything, D was determined to create a life for herself. Therapy helped her understand the abuse wasn’t her fault, grieve what happened, and re-imagine life. As a parent, she works hard to ensure her children are safe, listens to them, and is an outspoken advocate within her family.

What is Grooming?

A Survivors Story: D's Story

Despite everything, D was determined to create a life for herself. Therapy helped her understand the abuse wasn’t her fault, grieve what happened, and re-imagine life. As a parent, she works hard to ensure her children are safe, listens to them, and is an outspoken advocate within her family.

This is a summary of D’s story from We Can Prevent Sexual Abuse by Billye J. Jones, LCSW