Child Safety St. Petersburg Police Department

Which age group is the prime target of the average child molester? –A. 6-8 years old –B yrs –C B yrs –57% of molesters prefer children who are on the brink of puberty CHILD LURES QUIZ

Which gender is more likely to be approached by a molester? –A. Female –B. Male –C. Even Percentage C. Even Percentage –This differs from the national findings in which girls are thought to be approached at a rate four times greater than boys. Boys are much less likely than girls to report incidents.

CHILD LURES QUIZ 80% of all reported molestation cases involve young girls. This is because boys are... –A. Not molested as often –B. Embarrassed to talk about it –C. Afraid parents will not believe them –D. Afraid parents will subsequently restrict their freedom and closely supervise them

CHILD LURES QUIZ D. Afraid parents will subsequently restrict their freedom and closely supervise them. –We MUST communicate to young boys that suppressing such information not only endangers themselves, but other children as well.

CHILD LURES QUIZ During what hours does the molester/abductor most frequently prey on school children? –A. 6-9 a.m. –B noon –C. Noon - 3 p.m. –D p.m. D p.m. –Molesters/Abductors often target a child in the morning hours then stalk him/her in the afternoon

CHILD LURES QUIZ What vehicle is most commonly used by the criminal abductor? –A. Van –B. Station Wagon –C. 2-door Sedan –D. 4-door Sedan C. 2-door Sedan –The two door-sedan is the most difficult car from which to escape

CHILD LURES QUIZ What is the average age of the suspected molester/abductor (as judged by child victims)? –A yrs. –B yrs. –C yrs. –D. Over 50 yrs A yrs. –51%

CHILD LURES QUIZ Of the following lures, which is most commonly used by the criminal abductor? –A. Picture taking (Ego/Fame Lure) –B. Asking for help (Assistance Lure) –C. Offering gifts (Bribery Lure) –D. Coercion/Force (Threats/Fear) B. Asking for help (Assistance Lure) –29%

Child Lures

Those that prey on children look for specific traits and habits of a child. Knowing this information and eliminating opportunity heightens the chance your child will not fall victim to this type of crime.

Child Lures Abductors look for children: –Who appear unkempt or neglected and are slight of built. –Travel alone, especially at night. –Remove themselves from visual/audible contact with a group. –Frequent video arcades. –Smoke at an early age.

Lures Used Assistance: –Child is asked directions, assistance to find small animals, carry groceries, etc –"I have lost my puppy. Will you help me find him?"..."I am looking for a certain house or a certain street. Will you show me where it is?"... "I have a broken arm. Will you help me carry these books?"

Lures Used Prevention: –Advise your child that adults do not ask children for assistance, they are to step back and run –Teach your child to never get in anyone's car or go with, anyone without your permission

Lures Used Emergency: –Example – “Your mommy was taken to the hospital and she asked me to pick you up and take you to her. –Used to confuse child. Prevention: –Establish a code word with your child and advise them not to go anywhere with someone who does not know it.

Lures Used Bribery: –Lures child with money, candy, gifts "If you will go with me, I will give you some candy, gum, ice cream, a motorcycle ride, etc." "Let's play Hide - the - Quarter game. If you find the quarter, you can keep it."

Lures Used Prevention: –Teach your child not to accept gifts from, or go anywhere with people they don't know very well. They should always check with someone they trust first.

Lures Used Flattery –Promise to make child famous in modeling/movies. Child will need to go with them to a studio for photos, etc.. –"You are so beautiful. Can I take a picture of you and enter it in a contest in a magazine? I'm sure you'd win."

Lures Used Prevention –Stress to child that they should never go anywhere without you or your permission –Teach your child not to have other people take their picture without your permission

Lures Used Jobs –Promise to pay large sum of money for an errand or short-term job. –Even adolescents may be attracted by promises of high paying or interesting jobs Prevention –Explain to child the importance of you knowing and accompanying them on such job interviews

What Your Child Should Know

Their full name and address –Including city, state, and zip code Parents full name Home phone number with area code Emergency phone number –911 Never to accept anything without your permission

What Your Child Should Know Safe havens - neighbor’s house, stores, etc.. What a stranger is – someone they don’t know or know just a little Threatening areas – wooded lots, hallways, parking lots, alleys, etc

What Parents Should Know

What parents should know Do not place clothing on your that has his/her name visible Familiarize self and child with neighborhood and school routes Have your child fingerprinted and keep updated record of them with photo attached Know your child’s playmates, their parents and their phone numbers

Escapes

Escapes IF a child is abducted the chance of escaping escalates if he/she knows what to do. This section is designed with such information. Child and parent should practice these escapes for their effectiveness.

Escapes Escapes from Building –If access to a telephone Dial 911 – don’t hang up, place article of identification next to phone (headband, jewelry) –Leave something personal if you are moved to a new location Clothing, jewelry, blood (bite lip) –Scream if you hear anyone other than your abductor

Escapes Escape from Vehicle –Vehicle standing still/moving slightly Unlock door and jump out, scream for help and that you are being abducted –Vehicle moving slowly Step on accelerator causing vehicle to strike another vehicle or stationary object –If in trunk Scream if you hear someone other than abductor outside

Escapes Escape from Grab –Scream – “This is not my Mom/Dad, I need help. Help, I’m being abducted, kidnapped –Run – to another adult, grab hold, tell them you are being abducted –Fire alarms - pull fire alarm on and stay close by –Bite, scratch –Hold onto bicycle if abductor tries to pull you into a waiting vehicle

General Safety & Prevention

Prevention and Intervention at Home –Keep doors and windows locked at all times –Acknowledge all callers through a locked door –Post telephone numbers near all phones for 911 – police, fire Parents’ work numbers Neighbors’ phone numbers

General Safety & Prevention Prevention and Intervention at School/Play –Develop a safe route to and from school with child. (Stick to it) –Never take short cuts. (Fields, new construction, wooded areas, etc.) –Familiarize your child with neighborhood –Familiarize child with “safe havens.” (Neighbors’ houses, stores, police and fire stations, etc.)

General Safety & Prevention Prevention and Intervention at School/Play –Encourage child to walk/play with other children –Teach child to be alert and aware of persons and surroundings –Teach child to report suspicious persons to parent/guardian or teachers

General Safety & Prevention Prevention and Intervention at School/Play –Let child know they can dial 911 from a public phone for free –If being followed by a vehicle or someone on foot Change directions Scream Run to a safe haven Call police

General Safety & Prevention Have a code word with child Have a code word with child’s school. (Change it once it is used.) Check out school’s policy on absent child. (Are parents notified?)

Thank You QUESTIONS?