As a trauma therapist, I see the psychological impact of grooming and the moral injury that develops when accountability is delayed. We understand grooming clinically and empirically, including trauma bonding and nervous system injury. What remains inconsistent is accountability. When systems fail to act, the harm extends beyond victims and erodes trust, safety, and the belief that children will be protected.

Sometimes the unimaginable suddenly becomes very real. Grief isn’t just for grown-ups. Children grieve, too, though it often looks differen