Summer safety: Preventing Child Abduction

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  With summer here, children are out of school and have more time to spend outdoors or with friends. Unfortunately, this also means that they are more at risk from a group of people that would do them harm - child predators.

About 260,000 children are abducted every year in the United States, and about 115 of those abductions results in the child becoming injured or killed. About 32 percent of abductions take place on the street or in a car; about 25 percent take place in wooded areas.

"The key is to make sure you and your children are aware of their surroundings," said Sonya Dyer, 436th Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy outreach manager. "You have to be proactive, you have to make sure your children know what stranger dangers are, and how to spot and avoid them. There are many different lures out there that they need to be aware of."

The 436th MDOS Family Advocacy office is planning a course for both parents and children on how to identify and avoid lures used by child predators to entice and capture children. It is scheduled to begin in early fall when children return to school.

"It's a very good class for both children and adults," said Mrs. Dyer. "It's taught in such a way even the youngest person attending will understand what they need to know. It's good for parents too because these same lures are used on adults as well."

There are generally 16 categories of lures used by child predators to lure a child. These are: affection, pets, seeking assistance, authority, bribery, fame, emergency, games, heroes, job offers, knowing the child's name, friendship, pornography, threats, online communication and drugs, said Mrs. Dyer.

"The most common lure is false emergency, pets" said Mrs. Dyer. "It's important to make sure your children know how to handle these situations should they arise. Make sure they know how to get a hold of you, be it a cell phone number or a work number, and remind them they should never go anywhere with anyone they don't know."

"Parents and children should always have a plan when they leave the house," said Staff Sgt. Frederick Quick, 436th Security Forces Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge of Police Services. "Children should also let their parents know when they will be deviating from their original plan. If a parent can't make contact with their child they can contact 677-6664 for Security Forces Assistance or if off base call 911."

Besides being aware of where their children are at all times, parents should avoid marking their clothing or toys with their names as children respond favorably to people who talk to them by name. Parents should also remind their children that if they feel uncomfortable with a situation they should remove themselves from it and find a parent or go straight home if possible, said Sergeant Quick.

Abuse and abduction can happen anywhere, at any time, so parents should be alert for suspicious or strange behavior. Parents should be aware of who their children are spending time with, and know as much about those people as possible.

Even when taking every precaution parents should also watch their children for signs of abuse or molestation. Some signs are: change in mood, behavior, or grades, extreme changes in eating habits or eating disorders, hostility or aggressive behavior or suicidal thoughts or attempts. These symptoms may be obvious or can be subtle, and many children are afraid to report if they have been abused or molested, said Mrs. Dyer.

"Most children are scared or blame themselves for what happened," said Mrs. Dyer. "They're afraid they might be removed from their family, or they may have been threatened or bribed by their abuser. Some are just too ashamed or embarrassed to tell. If your child comes to you saying they've been abused or molested you need to take them seriously."

"Child safety is an important issue and should never be taken lightly," said Sergeant Quick. "Parents have to remember that keeping their children safe is their first priority and if something doesn't seem right, then it probably isn't."