Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What is the term used for someone who is lured into inappropriate activities by an adult?

1. Indoctrination

2. Grooming

3. Coercion

4. Manipulation

The correct answer is: Grooming

The correct term for someone who is lured into inappropriate activities by an adult is grooming. Grooming refers to the process in which an adult builds a relationship with a child or vulnerable individual to manipulate them into engaging in sexual or exploitative activities. This often involves establishing trust, gaining access, and normalizing inappropriate behavior to gradually desensitize the individual to the nature of the exploitation. While coercion involves forcing someone to act against their will through threats or intimidation, grooming specifically focuses on the more insidious and gradual approach taken by the adult to establish control and facilitate inappropriate behavior. Indoctrination pertains to teaching someone to accept a set of beliefs uncritically, and manipulation generally refers to influencing someone’s behavior or perceptions in an underhanded way. However, these terms do not encompass the specific context of luring someone into inappropriate activities like grooming does.