The Problem in Perspective
According to a 2002 report by the U.S. Department of Justice, an estimated 797,500 children are reported missing each year. About 12,100 of these cases are classified as non-family abductions, and of these the number of "stereotypical" abductions - involving a stranger or slight acquaintance who keeps the child overnight, transports him at least 50 miles, holds him for ransom, takes him with the intent of never returning him, or kills him - is extremely small.
# A law enforcement survey found that 115 missing children in the year studied fit the description of a stereotypical kidnapping.
# In 40 percent of stereotypical kidnapping cases, the child was killed.
# Nearly half of stereotypical kidnapping victims were sexually assaulted.
# Ten percent of stereotypical kidnappings lasted longer than 24 hours.
# At 69 percent, the majority of stereotypical kidnapping victims were girls.
# Seventy-two percent of stereotypical kidnapping victims were white.
Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, National Center For Missing And Exploited Children
Tips For Parents
# Teach your children to trust their own feelings and assure them they have the right to say no if they sense something is not right.
# Listen carefully to your children's fears.
# Children should know that no one should approach or touch them in a way that feels uncomfortable, and if anyone does they should tell you immediately.
# Be sensitive to changes in your children's behavior.
# Know where your children are at all times. Be familiar with their friends and daily activities.
# Be alert to anyone who is paying an unusual amount of attention to your children or is giving them inappropriate gifts.
# Obtain references for babysitters and be generally cautious about people who are left to care for your kids.
Source: National Center For Missing And Exploited Children
Rules For Kids
# You can be assertive, and have the right to say no to someone who tries to take you somewhere, touches you, or makes you feel uncomfortable, scared, or confused in any way.
# If you get separated from your parents in a public place, don't wander around looking for them. Quickly go to the cash register, security office or lost and found and tell the person in charge that you need help.
# You should not get into a car or go anyplace with anyone unless your parents said it was OK.
# Do not approach a car or person who you think is following you.
# Grownups should not be asking children for help. If they are having a problem, they should talk to someone older.
# Don't listen to people who ask for directions, need help finding a puppy or tell you that your parents sent them to get you because they are in trouble.
# If someone tries to take you somewhere, quickly get away and scream: "This person is trying to take me away," or "this person is not my father (mother)!"
# You shouldn't go places alone - take a friend.
# Always ask your parents before you leave the yard or go into someone's house.
# Never hitchhike or get a ride with someone unless your parents have told you it is OK to ride with the person.
# If someone wants to take your picture, tell them no and let your parents or teacher know what happened.
# No one should touch you in the parts of the body that would be covered by a bathing suit, and you should not touch anyone in these places, either. Your body is special and private.
Source: National Center For Missing And Exploited Children
