This presentation will discuss the demographics of possible victims that might fall prey to those seeking to lure children into abusive relationships by forming emotional attachments to the victim. These bonds can be so strong that victims themselves fail to see the manipulation that has occurred, but instead see themselves as in a loving relationship which can complicate both the investigative and interview process in an attempt to protect the offender and their “relationship.” The desired outcome of this presentation is that attendees will leave having a better understanding of these victims, perpetrators, and potential interview blocks and will leave having learned techniques to help them deal with this sort of case in the field.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will have a better understanding of the demographics and characteristics of both the victims that might find themselves in this type of abusive relationship, but also the offenders and the ways that they groom their victims to solidify a strong emotional bond.
Participants will learn about blocks to disclosure that can exist as a result of the victim dynamics and offender grooming and manipulation tactics.
Participants will leave with very specific examples of techniques that can be used when interviewing these victims to overcome blocks including what evidence can be helpful to use and how, out-of-the-box rapport-building techniques, comfort statements, and specific question typology.
