What can we do to protect our children against sexual preditors?

Question

I don't know if anyone has been following the story of the little 8 year Georgia boy who was murdered recently. The story is the most horrifying thing I've read. I'll post a link at the end of this if you want to read it - be prepared - it's horrible. Anyway, 2 of the people involved were arrested previously on sex related charges and both received probation. Obviously, this that was the wrong thing to do. I'm sure most of you would agree that sex offenders should stay in jail (or die), but they do get out.

What could we do in our neighborhoods to protect against these kinds of people? I know, myself, am always checking our police departments website and checking the sexual offender list and their addresses. If someone is even somewhat close to my neighborhood I print it out and give to all my neighbors. This tragedy has me fuming. I just don't want to do about it. Any suggestions?

The link to the story is:
http://www.crimelibrary.com/news/original/0307/2303_barrios.html

Derek483 is the perfect example of the kind of people we need to watch for.

Answer 1

How about watching your kids? Isn't that the most slap-yourself-in-the-head common sense easiest thing in the entire world to do? My mother has the family computer in a place where she can see what my (15 year old) sister is doing without her realizing it. She always explained openly to both of us from an early age the reasons why we were not supposed to talk to, trust, or go anyplace with people we didn't know, or let them in the house, no exceptions. We established a code word in case she did ever have to send someone we wouldn't recognize to take care of us or pick us up from school or an activity--no code word, no going with the person. Going places alone (even walking to and from school) was also a no-go, as was being out after dark unless we were with someone's family and adults were there. We were taught that it was our duty to tell a teacher or other trusted adult if there was a strange vehicle or person around that was making us uneasy. Parents need to trust their kids to understand the inherent danger behind unknown adults, not make up stories or give rules without explanations.

Answer 2

Girl I know exactly where you are coming from.I take every precaution possible.I NEVER allowed my daughter to sleep anywhere for sleepovers ,they all had to come here.I allowed it only if I knew the family very well and my daughter and grandaughter live here again for the past three years and the same rules apply.You know once i was looking threw my freezer trying to figure out what to make for supper when my daughter was nine and I saw a stinky dirty sock in a ziplock bag and asked her what the heck she was doing.She said mom the policemen were at school talking about getting lost in the woods or someone abducting them and the policeman told her to put a worn sock in the freezer so that the dog trackers can find their scent quicker....well i was floored and very impressed with the whole idea...and it was creative.You know when that poor little girl...Jessica Lunsfurd was murdered i just cringed that it was that easy for the poor thing to get abducted...Not the parents fault by any means....how are they supposed to know that she is safely tucked into bed and some perverted freak was waiting to pounce and take away the only piece of innocence they had in their lives.OOOOH,when i see pictures of that freak I could just cringe and hope that whatever she felt, he got back a thousand fold.Anyway my daughter and grandaughter were always watched getting on the bus and if the child for any reason did not get to school then they would call,a demand of the mother's and police...but that is all you can do...get involved as much as you can in neighborhood watches make sure you have locks on windows,check with police to see if they are doing anything new and every parent has the right to know where released sex offenders live and finally just be a good loving parent and pray that your children will be safe.I know i rambled...sorry i just get worked about these things and i checked your link to that story and it was the most shocking story i've seen in awhile...God bless that little angel

Answer 3

I teach my child about the possible danger of strangers, and let her know the rules about strangers and even "non-strangers" - neighbors, teachers, coaches, etc, who is not one of Mommy's friends. I have taught her what is okay, and what is not okay, and she knows that to tell me if anything ever happens that is NOT OKAY.

For myself, I don't let her play outside alone. I never lose sight of her at the park, not even for a minute. I don't leave her alone in the car. I don't leave her with friends/neighbors. Even the people who are 'Mommy's friends' (my own friends) are not left alone with her - we go out as a group. I searched the Meagan's Law website when we moved, and pointed out all the houses near us that were unsafe. And I reminded her that there are lots of people and houses in this world that aren't safe, but we just don't know it yet, so don't talk to strangers and always check with mommy before going anywhere with anybody.

She also takes ju-jitsu, and if ever she needs to defend herself (God forbid), she knows how to gouge the eyes, kick the groin, etc to run away and get help. And last but not least, I bought her an Amberwatch a month ago. It's the best invention ever, in my opinion.

I may get criticism for this answer, but my kid is intelligent and aware and safe, and that's all part of my job as a parent.

Answer 4

The world is actually a safer place now a days for children then it was even 50 years ago, the media will just have you believe other wise, take a deep breath and teach your kids the basics about safety and know they will be safe, you have a better chance of winning the lotto then whatever horrible thoughts you have about your child being attacked coming true

Answer 5

I don't know about where you live, but in WI we have this neighborhood watchdog website where you type your address and it will give you a map of your neighborhood, all of the registered sex offenders will be marked on the map... You can then click on a mark and it will give you a name, address, and a picture of this offender.... I made sure my 6yr old son looked closely at these pics and knows to stay far away if he sees one. Also keep tabs on your kid.. unsupervised children are way more vulnerable.. It's sad to say but there are just too many psychos out there (too bad we can't string them up) any ways the best way to make sure they're safe is to know where they are at ALL times, they may think you are smothering them but who cares at least they are safe.

Answer 6

the bad thing is it does not matter what you do. a predator could be ANYONE. i know i learned the hard way. my daughter was 10 and the predator was a guy that lived 2 houses down and was a real good friend of mine and a admired man of the city. he done alot of volunteer work with children and other things that would make people think that he would not be capable of doing such a thing. he confessed to everything and got probation...my daughter is a victim she got a lifetime of a horrible memory.

Answer 7

I've worked in the school system for 22 years and I love children so much that it breaks my heart to see what is happening everywhere around us. The one thing that amazes me is the light jail sentences that these scum bags get. If I were a judge and someone hurt a child it would be life without parole. I guess all we can do is PRAY and keep them in our sight at all times. GOD BLESS THE CHILDREN!!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

Both of my children 4 and 7 know about sexual predators. I have drilled them on what to do if something unusual is going on...........ie car drives by slow and tries to talk..........run to the neighbors house and pound on the door............things like that and I have also drilled it into their head to tell me if someone hurts them, Mommy can always make it better(I might have to go to Jail, but they would never be hurt again by that person!) I always ask what happened when they go to a friends house or a birthday party, or to a relatives I am very cautious with my children. The computer is something that is "door open always" My kids will NEVER have a computer in their rooms, I have to be able to see whats going on at ANY time!!!! I believe in educating my children, and be aware of who is in your neighborhood, help be resonsible for your neighbors/friends children and they will help with yours, there are more of us good guys than there is bad guys, we have to work together and be a safety unit to protect our children!!!

I applaude you for being proactive!!! Our children need us!!!!!!!!!! Continue to do what you have been doing!!! Stay communicating with your kids about whats going on and who they are with!!

Answer 9

Our society needs to be rid of these vermin.
For the safety of all these criminals will be shot.
Kill the criminal before he commits the crime .
To protect our children we must rid our communities of this red menace.
Source:
Various documents and statements from Nazis, Stalinist. Fascists, Americans.
The Americans were the Red Hunters,only good commie is a dead commie.
From sanity we have,
Article 1
Article 2
Article 3
Article 4 and other Articles of Rights from a document that is almost faded from the scene.

Answer 10

I agree with a lot of the other answers, but also remember to educate your children. Don't scare them, but be sure they know that not all people are nice people, and the things they should do, not do, and things of that nature. Hope that helps!!