Does grooming facilitate the development of Stockholm syndrome? The social work practice implications

Shirley J Jülich,Eileen B Oak

doi:10.11157/anzswj-vol28iss3id247

Shirley J Jülich, Eileen B Oak

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol28iss3id247

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Journal: Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work	Publication Date: Nov 17, 2016
License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Massey University

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This article focuses on the problem of risk instrumentalism in social work and the way it can erode the relationship-based nature of practice and with it, the kinds of critical reflexivity required for remedial interventions to keep children safe.METHOD: By exploring the relationship between the process of grooming and the condition known as Stockholm syndrome, the article seeks to address this problem by offering some concepts to inform a critical understanding of case dynamics in the sexual abuse of children which can explain the reluctance of victim-survivors to disclose.FINDINGS: Beginning with an overview of the development of actuarial risk assessment (ARA) tools the article examines the grooming process in child sexual abuse contexts raising the question: “Is grooming a facilitator of Stockholm syndrome?” and seeks to answer it by examining the precursors and psychological responses that constitute both grooming and Stockholm syndrome.CONCLUSION: The article identifies the underlying concepts that enable an understanding of the dynamics of child sexual abuse, but also identifies the propensity of practitioners to be exposed to some of the features of Stockholm syndrome.

Highlights

This article focuses on the problem of risk instrumentalism in social work and the way it can erode the relationship-based nature of practice and with it, the kinds of critical reflexivity required for remedial interventions to keep children safe
We argue that grooming techniques used by those who sexually abuse children facilitates the development of Stockholm syndrome which protects the abuser for decades
While the general public would not think of children and young people as hostages, they can be victims and they can be held captive, and in chronic abusive relationships they are vulnerable to the forces of Stockholm syndrome which can be understood as a survival technique for children in this situation

Summary

Introduction

This article focuses on the problem of risk instrumentalism in social work and the way it can erode the relationship-based nature of practice and with it, the kinds of critical reflexivity required for remedial interventions to keep children safe. We argue that grooming techniques used by those who sexually abuse children facilitates the development of Stockholm syndrome (traumatic bonding) which protects the abuser for decades.

Results

Conclusion