MAP Forum

Child grooming often occurs through a seemingly friendly, caring approach, which is difficult to detect at first. The recently surfaced case of Aurelie Moeremans, who experienced it as a teenager, illustrates how a relationship between an adult and a child can be built slowly, creating a dangerous emotional dependency.

Psychologist of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), Cahyo Setiadi Ramadhan, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist, explained that this pattern is a key characteristic of child grooming. In this practice, the perpetrator gradually builds an emotional closeness with the child before ultimately exploiting that relationship for personal gain.

"Child grooming is a slow and manipulative process. The perpetrator attempts to create emotional dependence on the child. Once the child feels secure and dependent, the perpetrator begins to take advantage of the relationship, which often leads to sexual exploitation," Cahyo explained when met at UMY, Saturday (17/1).

In some cases, child grooming even results in relationships that appear socially legitimate, such as marriage. However, according to Cahyo, this doesn't necessarily eliminate the element of exploitation. Relationships established when children are vulnerable still harbor power imbalances, making it difficult to establish an equal and healthy relationship.

Ironically, child grooming practices often go unnoticed by victims and those around them. This occurs because perpetrators often present themselves as caring, supportive, and trustworthy.