Which strategies are used by those who perpetrate sexual violence?

In most situations, the person committing the acts is aware of what they are doing.

In order to carry out the sexual violence, the offender may use one or more strategies, such as:

  • Threatening or blackmailing the child (for instance by threatening to harm someone the victim likes, threatening to reveal the victim's secret, if the child does not carry out the actions they want them to carry out)

  • To practice verbal and/or psychological violence, saying things like "you are worthless" or "I'm the only one who likes you", in order to convince the child or youngster to perform the acts

  • Attempt to create a trusting or friendly relationship with the child, in order to reassure her/him and convince her/him that the sexually violent act is not a problem (ex. "we are friends, you can trust me!")

  • Create a “love-based” relationship with the victim, making them believe that those sexually violent acts are positive and that they are a demonstration of a good thing/good feeling (e.g. praising the child to make them feel special)

  • Promise material goods so that the child does not disclose the violent situation and in exchange for the violent acts (e.g. games, clothes, toys)

  • Enhancing confusion by mixing positive demonstrations of feelings with demonstrations that are a sign of sexual violence (ex.: giving a hug and simultaneously touching the genital organs of the victim, in order to confuse them)

  • Using physical force to get the victim to not resist (although this is not the most common strategy)

  • To make the victim unconscious, giving, for example, alcohol or drugs to the child or young person, so that he/she is unable to resist and defend him/herself from the violent situation

  • Kidnapping the victim, or convincing the child or youngster to come to them in order to take them away from their family and friends and from their freedom, and thus be able to carry out the violent acts.


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Some of the information on this website has been simplified so that it can be understood by everyone. This simplification does not, however, put in question the accuracy and correctness of the contents. The content of this website was created by APAV as part of the CARE plus project, funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. The content reflects the point of view of APAV, which cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.