Submitted by: Richard Armen
When a child goes missing, everyone in the community is affected, especially those who have children themselves or who know the missing child. Child abduction is a crime that will have a lasting effect on everyone involved, particularly the family of the child.
According the FBIs National Crime Information Center, parents call the police 2,100 times per day to report a child who has disappeared for any length of time. While most of these return home safely within minutes or hours, it is the cases in which the disappearance stretches to days that make national news.
A stereotypical kidnapping, in which a child is snatched by a stranger, occurs an average of 115 times each year, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. While these cases stay in the memories of residents for decades, the actual occurrence of a stranger abduction is rare. It is far more likely that the abductor will be someone the child knows, maybe even a family member. Over 200,000 children are taken by family members each year. Still, the possibility for both types of abductions should certainly be recognized. Even though statistics prove strangers abducting children is a rare occurrence, these statistics don’t offer any comfort to the parents of a child who is missing.
A third category of child abductions is only now coming to light, and these are cases in which the missing child has been lured by information posted online. Are your children or teens active on social networking sites like MySpace? Do they chat online with people they don’t know in real life? The internet has unfortunately created numerous opportunities for criminals to prey on children. Criminals posing as other kids and teens can easily strike up a conversation with your unsuspecting children.
How can parents protect their children from lurking dangers? Education is your best tool for defense, although you must teach your kids not only about the dangers of strangers, but also about the possibility of dangers in acquaintances, people in positions of power, or even family members. As a parent, it is your responsibility to take the necessary security precautions, from locking doors and windows to keeping the computer in a family room where you can monitor internet use.
Furthermore, it is not enough to tell your child to avoid talking to strangers or just say no. Children are vulnerable because they are small and easily overpowered. Arm them with devices to protect themselves or summon adult help, such as a personal alarm. There are even child alarms shaped like panda bears or other child-friendly animals to help you and your children feel more at ease with the device.
If your child ever goes missing, for any length of time, what should you do? First, call the police. They can issue an Amber Alert, which has resulted in nearly 500 children being recovered to date. Second, they will help you search the area and question any suspects in the disappearance. The police have the ability to bring together the resources of media and journalists, the general public, and other law enforcement agencies to bring your child home quickly and safely.
About the Author: Resist Attack has a full range of
pepper sprays
to keep you and your family safe. Also check for current specials on
taser guns
Source:
isnare.com
Permanent Link:
isnare.com/?aid=497627&ca=Advice }