SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - An important factor in situations of child sexual abuse is that more often than not, the predator is someone the child knows and trusts.

The Child Advocacy Center reports assaults are rarely done spontaneously. It’s more common for an adult to gradually work their way up to the act in a process known as grooming. The center says predators will often find ways to make the child and those around them trust them.

The center warns that children do not understand what is and isn’t appropriate behavior. So, when a trusted adult begins to be inappropriate, they may not realize what is happening. It’s essential to get ahead of the curve and teach your child the importance of boundaries.

“Our kids need to know what is and isn’t okay,” said Katiina Dull of Springfield’s C

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