What makes S.T.O.P. different than any other child abuse organization out there that focuses on helping victims recover post abuse… Is that STOP focuses on preventing child sexual abuse before it ever occurs. Child sexual abuse often does not begin with the abusive act itself. It may begin much earlier, when an offender gradually builds trust, gains access to a child, tests boundaries, introduces secrecy, and normalizes inappropriate behavior. This process is called grooming. Recognizing and interrupting grooming behaviors and patterns early is the single most powerful tool we have to prevent abuse. So, what exactly is grooming? What does it look like - and how can we recognize the warning signs before the behavior escalates?