The Big Five Personality Traits, also known as the Five-Factor Model (FFM), is one of the most widely researched and scientifically supported models of personality in psychology. Rather than placing people into fixed “types,” it describes personality as five broad dimensions, with everyone falling somewhere along a spectrum for each trait. It is important to understand that these… Read More Five-Factor Model (FFM)
Professionals in policing, safeguarding, and forensic psychology look for patterns over time, not single events or impressions. They are essentially trying to separate image from behaviour. Here’s how they typically detect things like grooming patterns, coercive control, and “double life” structures: 1. Grooming patterns (behavioural sequencing) Grooming is not one action — it’s a process. Investigators look for repetition across… Read More “Double life” structures (compartmentalisation)
Impression management is a well-studied concept in forensic psychology and sociology. It refers to the ways individuals deliberately shape how others perceive them—especially to appear normal, trustworthy, or harmless while hiding behaviours, intentions, or risks that would damage that image. In the context of offending behaviour, it is often discussed in relation to “deceptive self-presentation” or “social masking.”… Read More What impression management can look like in practice
In cases involving convicted child sexual offenders or individuals who have admitted such behaviour, researchers and forensic psychologists have identified several possible motivations: It is important to recognise that many people who sexually abuse children do not fit the stereotype of a stranger. They are often known to the child or family and may appear caring,… Read More A wedding ring is not evidence that someone is safe
There have been many high-profile marriages where people later alleged or acknowledged that the relationship concealed something important. However, it is essential to distinguish between confirmed facts, the person’s own statements, and speculation or rumours. Marriages used to conceal sexual orientation Throughout history, particularly when homosexuality carried severe social or legal consequences, some people entered what are often… Read More A marriage certificate is not evidence of a healthy relationship
Marriage is often seen as a symbol of love, commitment, trust, and shared values. But sometimes, it is something very different. Sometimes, marriage is a cover. For some individuals, marriage provides the appearance of respectability. It creates an image of stability that can hide a very different reality behind closed doors. A marriage can become… Read More When Marriage Is Just a Cover
Sometimes it feels as though every time one question is answered, another emerges. Just when you think you’ve reached the end, another letter arrives. Another email. Another message. Another person quietly steps forward and says, “There’s something you should know.” Some knew him years ago. Some knew him in another country. Some knew him long… Read More Does It Ever End?
There are moments in life when gratitude comes from unexpected places. Looking back, one of mine is knowing that I did not have children with him. At the time, it may have felt like a disappointment or a path that never unfolded. But with clarity comes a different perspective. Children deserve to grow up in… Read More Grateful I Did Not Have Children With Him
There are times when silence is not about secrecy. It is about responsibility. For legal reasons, some matters simply cannot be discussed or disclosed. Ongoing investigations, court proceedings, confidential information, and legal obligations often require restraint. Remaining silent does not mean there is nothing to say. It does not mean the truth does not exist.… Read More Some Things Cannot Be Discussed
There comes a moment when everything changes. A piece of evidence. A conversation. A document. A photograph. A memory that suddenly makes sense. Once you have seen it, you cannot unsee it. Once you know the truth, you cannot unknow it. The mind has a remarkable ability to ignore what it is not ready to… Read More Once You Have Seen, You Cannot Unsee
Linda C J Turner | Trauma Therapist & Emotional Healing Specialist 