Safety Information

COMMON LURES USED BY STRANGERS

COMMON LURES BEING USED ARE LISTED IN ORDER OF FREQUENCY

"Don't Let Them Take Your Children"

The subject will ask directions and then request the victim to accompany him and show the way.

The subject will pretend to have a disability or problem (can't speak English, can't see very well, or have an injury) and request to have his victim help in finding a location or getting somewhere.

The subject will request assistance with his van. He will ask the victim to get into the van, into the driver's seat and turn the key for him. The victim is then grabbed by a confederate who is hiding in the van.

The subject will request assistance with his car; he will ask the victim to fill some empty milk cartons with water for him, then request that the victim accompany him to the nearest gas station in case he has any additional problems.

The subject states that his dog is lost and asks the victim for assistance in finding him. After unsuccessfully checking the area, the subject will invite the victim to accompany him while they check other locations.

The subject will display a badge and indicate that a member of the family has been injured and request the child accompany him to the hospital.

The subject will reprimand the victim for doing something wrong or for being in an area where he shouldn't be and command him to get in the car so that he can be transported home to advise his mother.

The subject will participate in a sporting activity with a group of young people and single out his victim and offer him a ride home after the game.

The subject will offer a job (cutting the lawn, caring for a pet, or cleaning up property) to the victim and ask the latter to come with him.

10.

The subject will purposely hit the victim's bicycle and offer him a ride home so as to inform his parents.

11.

The subject will tell his victim that he is a coach and wonders if the victim would like to play for his team (the subject may watch the victim participate in a sporting activity before making contact).

12.

The subject will photograph the victim with a Polaroid camera, show him the photo, and offer him an opportunity to pose for additional pictures at his studio.

13.

The subject will show the victim a C.B. radio and ask assistance with a portable unit; he will then invite the victim to come with him to another location.

14.

The subject has a remote control car, or, as in one instance, a motorized skateboard and shares his toys with the victim. He will then offer the latter an opportunity to play with these and other toys at his place.

Safety Tips:

Some parents and educators feel that teaching the dangers of sexual exploitation and abduction will frighten youngsters. At Child Lures, we have found these reservations to be unfounded. Remember, even very young children know that some things can be dangerous: moving cars, electrical outlets, and so forth. If fear exists, it is nearly always diminished when prevention strategies are provided. Child Lures stresses critical thinking and empowers children to deal with dangerous situations, should they arise.

•Though well-meaning, the advice "Don't talk to strangers" is ill-conceived. Most children are sexually abused by someone they already know, be it a family friend, a neighbor, a babysitter, a coach - even a family member. Pedophiles are notoriously personable with children and will go out of their way to put a child at ease. Even a complete stranger who engages a youngster in friendly conversation can quickly become someone that child "knows."

•Avoid scare tactics. Explain that most adults would never do anything to hurt a child; those who prey on children are the exception.

•Teach your child basic sex education, i.e. The areas of the body covered by a bathing suit are private. Molesters admit that a child's innocent curiosity and/or ignorance make that child easier to abuse.

•Establish that sexual advances from adults are against the law. This gives children the confidence to assert themselves with adults who seek to abuse them. •Do not instruct children to "Give Uncle Jimmy a kiss" or "Give Aunt Susan a hug." Allow children to express affection on their own terms.

•Develop strong communication skills with your children. Explain the importance of reporting abuse to you or another trusted adult.

•Stress that there should be no secrets from you, especially those involving another adult.

•Make a commitment to spend more time with your child; the lonely and attention-starved child is an easy target.

•Instruct children never to go with or get in a car with anyone, unless you have given them direct permission.

•Encourage children to assess situations critically and to recognize and follow their instincts.

•Make your child familiar with the common lures used by child molesters and abductors

IF YOU THINK YOUR CHILD HAS BEEN ABUSED

o Believe the child. Children rarely lie about sexual abuse.

o Commend the child for telling you about the experience.

o Convey your support for the child. A child’s greatest fear is that he or she is at fault. and responsible for the incident..

o Temper your own reaction, recognizing that your perspective and acceptance are critical signals to the child. Your greatest challenge may be to not convey your own horror about the abuse.

o Do not go to the school or organization to talk about your concern. Instead report the suspected molestation to a social services agency or the the police.

o Find a specialized agency that evaluates sexual abuse victims - a hospital or child welfare agency or a community mental health therapy group.

o Search for a physician with the experience and training to detect and to recognize sexual abuse when you seek a special medical examination for your child.

o Remember that taking action is critical because if nothing is done, other children will continue to be at risk. Child sexual abuse is a community interest and concern.

From : Child Sexual Abuse Prevention, published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.