How Pedophiles Lure Their Victims - The Four "Fs"

The statistics are startling. One in five girls and one in ten boys are sexually exploited by adults before they turn 18. Perhaps the most startling fact is that most of the time the victims know and trust the adults who abuse them.

So where does this trust come from? Pedophiles tend to be very patient and manipulative. They use four basic tactics, called "the four F's"; Friendship, Fantasy, Fear and Force.

 

Friendship And Fantasy

"Friendship" is built with a technique pedophiles use called "grooming". Grooming a child is nurturing a friendship through bonding. The adult will usually give the child gifts, take them on special outings and show them a lot of attention.

 

Once a child trusts an adult, the adult can influence the child's attitude regarding sexual behavior. Grooming may include introducing sexual content to the child as an example of what the perpetrator desires and to give the impression that the depicted acts are acceptable. If the child thinks that sex between children and adults is ok, it's easier for the pedophile to victimize the child.

 

Then the pedophile will introduce "Fantasy". They will manipulate the child with a false sense of security. They will pay a lot of attention to the child's problems and personal matters and offer advice and counseling. They will tell the child how much they love them and that they want to have a long term, loving relationship with them.

Fear And Force

Once the child has opened up to the pedophile, they will begin to instill "Fear" by threatening to share the child's secrets with their classmates or their parents. Sometimes the pedophile will even threaten the life or safety of the child or of their family and friends It's all a manipulation tactic to get the child to do what the pedophile wants them to do.

 

Ultimately, the pedophile uses "Force" to sexually exploit the child.