The term
predator describes a person whose primary mission in life is to harm our children in some
way. The harm could take the form of molestation, abduction or abuse.
Nearly
everyone mentally pictures a predator as a "seedy, low-life" looking individual
lurking in the shadows , wearing a trench coat. The truth of the matter is they can
look like anyone. They come from all walks of life, age groups and economic
backgrounds. There are usually common threads that loosely link these people
together. Most try to get themselves into positions of power over, or exposure to
children.
No
occupation excludes the likelihood of these types of individuals. They've even been
known to have been Clergy, Police Officers, Scout Leaders, Coaches, etc. Molesters
will try to seek positions in close proximity to children, such places as pool halls,
arcades, shopping malls or playgrounds. They may also volunteer as chaperones or
other type of assistants necessary to deal with groups of children.
A predator
or pedophile can be anyone, even someone your child may know. Remember, the
overwhelming majority of children are victimized by someone they know.
Child
abductors may randomly select their victim or they may carefully plan their evil act for
weeks or months. Some are interested in just boys, others in girls. Few make
any distinction as to what race or economic level their victims come from. They
really don't care.
Many
parents develop a false sense of security because they have impressed on their children to
"stay away from strangers". Unfortunately, statistics show that the
vast majority of child molestation, abuse or abduction is performed by someone the victim
or family knows. Another sad statistic is that all too often these incidents involve
parents, grandparents, siblings, other family members, friends or acquaintances. The
bottom line is that you can't exclude anyone from your watchful eye.
Most kids
don't know a good definition of a "stranger". When we tell them to
"stay away from strangers" , we're really telling them to stay out of harms
way. In reality this is easier said than done. Properly defining a stranger so
that a child can understand the definition can be difficult to do. Predators take
great care not to be classified as a stranger.
For
instance, is the neighbor that talks to your child-a stranger? Is the school
janitor who always says hello to your child, a stranger? Is the store clerk, the one
you always take the time to talk with when your child is with you-a stranger?
Telling your child not to talk to strangers becomes a complex issue when you add all these
factors into the mix. Most people pose no threat to your child. However,
children must be told to stay away from anyone you have not given them permission to talk
to. This should include everyone.
Predators
and pedophiles have their own communications network on the Internet. They've even
got their own newsletters, videos and underground radio network. They are constantly
trading information, ideas and methods designed to gain your children's confidence.
They are working daily on developing new and better techniques to avoid being
detected. Worldwide pedophile organizations are promoting outrageous theories like
adult sex with children is healthy and that child molestation is not a crime.
It's
impossible to keep child molesters and abductors away from your neighborhoods so you must
take a proactive approach to this danger by being aware and teaching your children how to
stop from becoming a victim. Teach them to be aware of their surroundings including
buildings and people and increase their level of "Danger
Awareness"
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