kinds of definitional features are pro- posed. For example, one definition mentions "betrayal" (Salter, 1995) while another references "courtship" (Howitt, 1995). Some proposed definitions give concrete examples of grooming (Gallagher, 1999; Sgroi, 1982), while others try to give abstract properties t

er life (Berliner & Conte, 1990; Leberg, 1997). The abuser builds the child's trust (Christiansen & Blake, 1990; Leberg, 1997; Wyre, 1987, cited in Howitt, 1995; van Dam, 2001), makes him or her feel good (Warner, 2000) and then starts to violate boundaries (Christiansen & Blake, 1990; van Dam, 2001).

le person cause for concern that any meeting with a child arising from the conduct would be for unlawful purposes. (O'Connell, 2003, p. 6) Second, Howitt suggests that: Grooming... is the steps taken by paedophiles to "entrap" their victims and is in somew•ays analogous to adult courtship. (Howitt, 1

er life (Berliner & Conte, 1990; Leberg, 1997). The abuser builds the child's trust (Christiansen & Blake, 1990; Leberg, 1997; Wyre, 1987, cited in Howitt, 1995; van Dam, 2001), makes him or her feel good (Warner, 2000) and then starts to violate boundaries (Christiansen & Blake, 1990; van Dam, 2001).

e environment and significant others 3.Grooming the child McAlinclen (2006) I. Personal 2. Familial 3. Institutional Wyre (1987)as discussed in Howitt I. Extrafamilial (1995) 2. Intrafamilial definitions share some key similarities, many behaviors may he classified as grooming under some defini

W. ODonobue TABLE 1 General Definitions of Grooming Author(s) Definition of Grooming (taken directly from reference) Sgroi (1982) Salter (1995) Howitt (1995) Labors (1997) Gallagher (1999) Brackenridge (2001) Gillespie (2002) Berson (2003) O'Connell (2003) Spiegel (2003) Craven, Brown, an

oming behaviors as solely pre-offense actions thereby limiting the scope of sexual grooming tactics employed by offenders (e.g., Brackenridge 2001; Howitt and Sheldon 2007). Therefore, a definition of sexual grooming should note that maintenance behaviors may be enacted after the sexual abuse has occur

and victim. Some of the prior definitions have narrowly defined the type of offender or victim involved in the sexual grooming process. For example, Howitt (1995) used the term "pedophile," which typically refers to individuals who are primarily or exclusively sexually attracted to prepubescent childre