Child Abduction: Mitigating The Possibility

There are many things in this world of ours that challenge us and cause us great pain at times but we are extremely resilient and bounce back quickly....but no one really overcomes the grief associated with child abduction. Lets take a look at some unfortunate statistics:

* Around 260,000 children are abducted every year in the U.S.

* More than 65% of children abducted by non family members are girls

* 31% of the children are physically abused

* 32% of abductions take place in a street or a car/ 25% take place in a park or wooded area

* 75% of abductors are male

* 67% of them are below 29 years of age

* 40% of children in Stereotypical kidnappings are killed

* 79% of kidnappings are carried out by strangers / 21% by acquaintences

Here are some things we must do to help keep our children safe, many of these are tried and true practical measures that you have heard your whole life but are still effective and essential. Let's review some of them:

* Know where your children are at all times

* Don't let them go places without a companion, abductions occur mostly when a child is alone

*If your child walks home, know his or her route

* Emphasize to your children that it is unacceptable to take rides or gifts from strangers without your permission

* Tell your children to never say that their parents are not home when they answer the phone, tell them to say that you are busy right now and can't come to the phone

* Be tuned into your child's behavior, ask questions if they have something bothering them

* Avoid clothing with your child's name sewn in or written, such as, Backpacks, Predators use the child's name to gain the child's confidence

* Make sure your child knows his or her full name. address and phone number. Teach them the importance of "911"

* Review with your child what to do if you get seperated in a store, tell them that they should go directly to a cashier and to not go out to the parking lot to look for you

* Never leave a child in a car or stroller for a minute!

* Point out homes in your neighborhood that they can use as a refuge in case of trouble

* Always check babysitter references

* Never post pictures of your child on the internet, this includes personal information. Predators use this information in despicable ways.

We should be cognizant of the fact that our children are young, impressionable and innocent, therefore, we must be careful and delicate in the way we approach the subject of their safety. We don't want to create scenarios that petrify them with fear but we do want to express the reality that there are dangerous people out there and for them to be aware and cautious.

Children can be confused about their role because parents have always emphasized that they should be respectful and polite to strangers....THE ABDUCTOR KNOWS THIS AND USES THIS TO HIS ADVANTAGE! You should let your child know that it is alright to say "NO" to an adult, such as when an adult asks your child to help them look for a lost puppy or other pet. THIS IS AN OFTEN USED PLOY USED BY PREDATORS TO GAIN YOUR CHILD'S CONFIDENCE! Children should know that adults don't ask children for help!

Another critical measure for you as a parent is to keep your child's medical and dental records updated. This includes having on hand a "CHILD SAFETY KIT" that will include a recent picture, fingerprints and any personal information. (FREE kits can be found at CHILDSAFEKIT.COM) You must be aware that if your child becomes missing, the first few hours are the most critical in getting them back safely. This is why you must have the appropriate documents and information to hand over to the authorities right away. Do not believe that you can gather this information after the fact, you will more than like be too distraught to think straight. REMEMBER....TIME IS CRUCIAL AT THAT POINT, MAKE SURE YOUR PREPARED!

I hope you found this information helpful. Let us do everything in our power to keep our precious children safe so they can live long and happy lives. STAY SAFE AMERICA!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/news-and-society-articles/child-abduction-mitigating-the-possibility-3440895.html

Francis Burger lives in Boise Idaho and is a Marine Corps Veteran. He also owns a protection product web store that offers items such as Pepper Sprays, Stun Guns and Personal Alarms. If your concerned for your safety and that of your family then please stop by to check out all the wonderful possibilities in non-lethal, self defense products. http://www.usaprotectionproducts.com