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Child Safety / Abduction
Prevention
Prevention
Tips for Abduction
Most children that are abducted occur by someone that they know for a
short period of time, they are abused and then released. There are only
a few hundred stranger abductions every year in the United States and
usually fewer than 100 every year in Canada. Abduction by a family member
in custody battles accounts for over 90% of all child abduction cases
- Never
assume your child will not be abducted - always act as though it could
happen.
- Establish
solid communication with your child. Develop open dialogue so he/she
can confide in you in case of trouble.
- Never
leave young children unattended (at home, in a parked car, shopping
cart or in a public restroom).
- Make
certain your child knows his/her full name, your name, address and telephone
number, including area code. Teach him/her to use the telephone. Help
may be available by dialing 911 or "O"
- Have
pictures taken yearly. For preschoolers, pictures should be updated
quarterly.
- Keep
records of fingerprints, footprints, dental and doctor information,
birthmarks and birth certificates. You should keep copies of x-rays
as hospitals do not keep such records for more than a few years.
- Tell
baby-sitters or friends caring for the child not to let your child go
with anyone but you.
- Teach
your child to avoid people they don't know.
- Explain
to your child that a stranger is someone they do not know, nor do you.
- Teach
your child that adults usually do not ask children for help or directions.
If someone should stop in a car asking directions, tell your child not
to go to the car.
- Have
your child practice the buddy system until old enough that this system
is not necessary.
- Caution
your child not to play in deserted places. There is safety in numbers.
- Teach
your child the facts of abduction early. If handled simply as another
fact of life - another coping skill - children need not be inordinately
frightened by the idea of abduction.
- Establish
strict procedures regarding who will pick up your child from school
and be meticulously consistent.
- Have
your school establish a "School Call Back Program" and visitor
check-in policies.
- Teach
your child never to go anywhere with anyone who doesn't know a family
"Code" word.
- Make
sure that your child does not have his/her name on a visible place such
as clothing or belongings. It makes it harder for strangers to be on
a first name basis with your child.
- Know
as much as possible about your ex-spouse and his/her friends and relatives.
Pay attention to threats of stealing the child. Watch for attitude changes
and/or unstable behavior in your ex-spouse. Be aware of how a life-style
change by you or your spouse might affect him/her.
- Explain
to your child that if they are home alone not to open the door for anyone
except previously designated persons. This includes a salesperson or
delivery person.
- Teach
your child never to answer the telephone and tell anyone that he/she
is home alone. If someone should call, instruct your child to make a
prepared statement such as, "Daddy/Mommy cannot come to the phone
right now... can I take a message."
- Teach
older children to come home at dark.
- Remind
older children to phone home.
- Know
whom your child's friends are, where they live, and their telephone
numbers.
- Beware
of any adult that showers your child with an inordinate amount of attention
and/or presents. No one should care more about your child than you.
- Teach
your child that if they are being followed not to hide behind bushes,
but to go where there are people or to a safe house.
- Understand
that "bad" touches can feel "good." Your child needs
to know that sexual abuse does not simply mean that they will feel physical
pain.
- Report
a missing child immediately after checking the immediate environment.
Do not wait any length of time. The first 24 hours are crucial for search
workers
Teach
your child that it is appropriate to "make a scene" if he/she
senses danger from an adult. Teach him/her to yell "HELP!",
or "I DON'T KNOW YOU!", not just scream.
Common
lures
Asking
for help - CASE FILE - William J
William was arrested for sexually molesting an 11-year-old girl at knifepoint.
He was watching a girl's house for a couple of days and learned that the
she was usually home alone for a two hour period in the afternoon. One
day he rang her doorbell and asked if could use the phone to call for
an ambulance since there was a terrible accident that just happened down
the road. Once inside he threw the child to the ground and raped her.
Once he began his assault he lost track of the time and actually walked
down the driveway while the girl's parents were returning home. Sensing
something was not right, the father dropped of the mother to check on
the girl and followed William. William began to run of road down a hill
and was soon apprehended by a group of construction workers and held for
the police. William showed no remorse for his actions and was very matter
of fact about what he had done to the girl. Although this was William's
second offence at the age of 25 he has victimized well over 10 girls.
Other forms of this Lure:
Can you help me find my lost dog (props like a dog leash and a photo of
a dog may be part of the lure)
Can you help me put these bags in my car (money might be offered)
Can you mail this letter for me (person may be on crutches or have arm
in a sling)
Authority
/ Emergency - CASE FILE - JAMES L
James had a fake police badge and would accuse young girls of shoplifting.
He would always single out children that were alone and order them to
come with him
This is
a dangerous one because so many children have blind faith in authority
figures in their life - teachers, coaches anyone in a uniform. Tell your
child that they should not go anywhere with anyone that they do not know
well. They should tell another adult who is nearby that they are scared
and ask them for help. Brining in a third persona will often scare of
an aggressor
Name recognition
Is your name Cindy, I am not a stranger I know your name. Your mom sent
me to pick you up because she had to work late.
It is
important to remember that the lures can be coupled together. When this
happens it becomes increasingly more difficult for a child to process.
For instance, Hi Jimmy, my name is officer Lewis and your mommy sent me
to get you
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