My 21-year-old daughter has lived with me her entire life. She has some cognitive challenges and functions at about the level of a 10-year-old, but she has a sense of independence and holds a job. She is kind, trusting, and sees the good in people, which I deeply appreciate.

A few weeks ago, she met a young man (also 21) and has quickly become infatuated with him. My daughter hasn’t dated much, and her growing attachment to him is concerning me.

When I’ve been around him, I’ve noticed some troubling behaviors. He has lied about serving in the military, misrepresented his past, and hasn’t been transparent with my daughter. Recently, she has started spending the night at the hotel where he lives with his mother, and I’ve noticed that when I text her, it seems like he is the one responding, not her. This raises my concern that he may be trying to control her.

After doing some research, I discovered that he is a registered sex offender with a conviction for assault. He also refuses to tell me where he actually lives, claiming it’s none of my business.

I generally believe in allowing people to live their own lives, but I am very worried for my daughter. She is incredibly innocent and naive, and I fear he may take advantage of her. I’m also concerned that she’s so attached to him that she won’t listen to me, no matter what I say. I’m scared for her well-being and don’t want her to end up in a harmful relationship.

What should I do? What are my options?