5/18/2020

Stranger danger, here’s what happened…

About 20 minutes ago a man in a car tried, once again, to try to coax two young girls (9 – 12) into getting into the car. Turns out, this is the second or third day in a row he had tried to abduct a child in the neighborhood. So, a parent called the police. When the officer arrived, he was provided a description of the car and license plate number that another neighbor was able to write down. The officer said something like this, Well, I did not see it, so if he comes back, just give me a call. Really? He was told which direction the car came from, the color, which house it looked like it had been visiting and even the license plates number. Great! Way to protect the innocent and the community in which you serve. He did not seem too concerned about stranger danger!

Reminder…

So, I just wanted to remind everyone to take precautions when approaching a stranger. First of all, don’t do it! With social distancing being so important, here is another reason to remind your children and yourself to keep your distance. I am sure as you have the talk with those you love, they will simply say (before you can get to far into it) that “I know, you told me a hundred times already.” So, ask them to explain what stranger danger means to you then, so that you are aware of just how much they actually realize.

Stranger danger. This topic cannot be over stated.

Stranger danger is a topic that can’t be over stressed. There are people of all ages that disappear every day! I could not tell you how many times an innocent looking stranger has stopped and asked me, an adult, for directions or if I have seen their dog. I would go closer to them saying, “What?” and although I would keep some distance, it was not nearly enough. I know, I am not the brightest bulb in the room and I should know better, but we just do not always think about our safety when we are distracted. So, imaging being a child. They live preoccupied. We need to teach children more than just “Don’t Talk to Strangers”. We need to include information about what to do if abducted and how to avoid it.

Now as I have been trying to stress, this reminder is not only for parents reminding kids. It is also a wake up-call for each of us. We are all vulnerable under the right circumstances.  With Summer upon us, the threat increases. Yes, even with social distancing. Children still play in their yards. People still go for walks. People are bike riding. And a predator will take advantage of any situation, any distraction therefore every person, regardless of age, can become a victim. From drive by shootings, to abductions, no one can take safety for granted.

Don’t be afraid, be prepared.

However, this does not mean that you nor your child should live in fear. But knowledge is power. Awareness is being forewarned. Just keep your safety and the safety of those you love in mind as you prepare to enjoy life, make memories, and relish during your everyday actives. Reminders of how to stay safe and the realization of stranger danger can be helpful to having an uneventful day. Communication and awareness may be your best tools in having a safe Summer and avoid regrets. Sometimes, you don’t get a second chance. Sometimes, you don’t get the opportunity to learn from mistakes.

Sure, not everything is within your control. But that does not mean that you should just ignore the stranger danger issue.

According to ABC News, an eleven- year-old girl was abducted getting off her school bus.  Click on the blue link if you want to read about how she was saved.

The statistics are alarming.

Of Stereotypical kidnappings, 40% of victims were killed and 4% were not recovered.  The NCJRS estimate over 58,000 child abductions occurred within a 12-month period during the late 1990’s.  Teenagers were the largest percent of victims and almost 50 % of the victims were sexually assaulted by the predator.

Unfortunately, that number grows yearly, now in 2020 the FBI estimates about 800000 children go missing each year and if reported quickly, most cases are resolved within the first few hours. Stranger danger can not always be avoided but it is worth a try, isn’t it?

Also, 80% of the abductions occurs within ¼ mile of the child’s home. So often, people think of it this way, my kid is okay they are just down the street. But that is something that should not be taken for granted. If the child, teen or adult has the mind set to be cautious of strangers or even family friends, they would be better prepared and equipped for potential dangers.

So, what can we teach our children to do? What should we do?

If possible, just walk or run away. If caught, kick, pull away, yell, do whatever you can to draw attention! Avoid getting in a car if possible, be aware of your surroundings, once abducted follow captor’s instructions, always look for opportunity to escape if safe to do so.

Most reported lures used…

• Offer a ride,
• offer candy or ice cream or another treat
• asked questions
• offered money
• used an animal

Remember, the actions you should take would drastically change if you are successfully abducted. You do not want to make the captor angry, instead try to help them see you as a human. But always be willing to fight for your live.

Over 160,000 adults over the age of 21 were reported missing.

The statistics show that females are generally the ones to be abducted. However, the older the age group, that switches to males being abducted more.

Remember, if you are ever abducted, never give up. And it is not your fault.

Elizabeth Smart is a prime example of an abducted survivor. Her inspiring story of being abducted as a 14 year-old child from her own home and being abused by a couple is astonishing and her perseverance is inspiring.