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April 1, 2008
Opportunity Equals Access
How will a predator gain access to my child?
A predator is anyone who preys on others in a calculated, routine fashion. They may include the abuser, pedophile, bully, stalker, or thief.
But before the predator—or any criminal—can commit a crime, a number of elements must be in place.
Intent –The offender must have the desire or intention to want to commit the crime. Their motives may vary, but the need is always there.
Ability – The offender must believe that they have the skills and equipment they need to carry out their crime. In the case of physical assault of any kind, they not only need to believe that they have the skills to commit the crime, but that theirs outweigh the defensive skill that of the chosen victim.
Opportunity – The criminal needs an opportunity to commit the crime and to get away with it. Few criminals commit crimes with the intention of getting caught.
You, as a parent, can’t change a potential offender’ intention to on committing a crime, nor can you change the offender’s perception of their abilities. However, you have complete control over the opportunity that could to make your children their next victim.
By "opportunity" I mean access.
An offender needs to have access to your child before he can commit his intended crime. Access can be many ways. He may gain access through his position as a coach, baby-sitter, relative, neighbor, friend, or acquaintance.
What he is not likely to be, is a complete stranger. As a parent, you have control over your child’s safety and can prevent a crime from happening if you are watchful and diligent in controlling the access that others have to your kids.
These are the basic ways in which you can make sure that any access to your children is safe access:
Evaluate who is in your home or neighborhood
Evaluate those in your home or neighborhood. You must assess each and every person that you allow into your home and in contact with your children. I am not suggesting a complete criminal screening for the gardener, however, I do suggest that you watch how he interacts with your children. If he shows too much attention to them, if your child is uncomfortable around him, if you have even the slightest reservation about him, get rid of him immediately.
Question everyone’s motives
There is a motive for every action or thought we have. Not all motives are deviant, but they are present in all actions. A used car salesman’s motive is to sell you a car. To achieve that purpose, he will adapt his behavior to be nice, approachable, knowledgeable and genial, in hopes that you will buy a car from him.
A teacher’s motive is to educate your children. Her behavior will reflect her motives. She may be firm when she is trying to get a point across, sympathetic to a child who is upset, encouraging and empowering to get kids to learn.
A predator’s motive is to gain access and control of your child so that he can carry out his intended crime. His behavior will reflect his motives—in part. He will be nice, helpful, understanding, willing, generous, accommodating, and anything else he needs to be to convince you that he can be trusted.
If you can’t come up with a valid reason why someone is acting in a friendly, generous way to your children, be very suspicious. There is no reason why the house painter needs to be giving toys and candy to your children. There is a motive for every action. If the person’s actions do it does not make sense, do not allow them access to your children.
Report your suspicions to the police
How many times have you seen or heard news reports in which neighbors of an apprehended criminal say they thought the person was suspicious? If they thought so, why didn’t they tell police before another victim was made?
Let me explain something to you. Contrary to what you may think, your observations are valuable to the police, and they are not bothered if you call them. In fact, in an age this world today where money is tight and police are stretched to the limited, they need your help. . They cannot know what is going on in your community unless you tell them. You will not bother them. You don’t even have to give your name.
But please make sure that you report all suspicious behavior to the police. If police investigate and the suspicion it is unfounded, then it ends. However, in many cases—and I can speak from experience—the smallest tip can lead to a major arrest and removal of a predator from your community.
It is your right, and your duty to tell the police if you feel someone may be dangerous to your family. You owe it, at the very least, to your kids.
Samantha Wilson
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When There's a Sex Offender Next Door
If you live in the US, here is a list of where you can search online for Registered Sex Offenders in your State. search now >>>>
If you live in Canada....no such luck. (see "Your Voice" below)
Canadian Law Makers Not Interested in Child Safety Report
With 6,000 Canadian children suffering a lifelong disability from a preventable head injury per year, every 90 minutes adds another victim to the list, one Canadian doctor appeals to law makers to make Canada the safest haven in the world for youth.... Read full story >>>
SPRING SEMESTER NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION!
Your Voice -
In Florida, residents can sign up to receive email alerts when a sex offender has been released into their community. In most US States, anyone can search for the location of registered sex offenders in their towns.
But there is no such service or public data base available in Canada.
Do you think Canadians should have access to Names, Addresses and History of Released Sex Offenders in Canada?
What are your thoughts?
Child Safety in the News
Cyber-safety tips offered to local school children
Don't think of the Internet as a thing, think of it as a place. And because this place lets anyone in the world in, kids should apply the same safety rules when they go online as when they go to any other place; always be wary of who they talk to.
This is just one of the many rules safety expert Samantha Wilson discussed during a recent cyber-safety seminar presented to a group of students.... read full story >>>
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Nutritious can be Delicious! Try KidsEat!
Don't let the new guidelines get you down! Our New Fresh Spring Menus are here!
Call Michaela for more information or to schedule KidsEat! at your school this year. 604-541-9264 x 101 or email mcorr@kidproofcanada.com
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