I was laying in bed on Thursday night trying to drift off to sleep. Dan was still downstairs watching the end of the Red Sox game and I had the evening news on in the background. I was almost asleep when I heard the newscaster report some shocking statistics:
1 in 4 girls is sexually abused before the age of 18.
1 in 6 boys is sexually abused before the age of 18.
I practically bolted up out of my bed! That can't be right, I thought!
So, the next morning,I searched the Internet. Sure enough, I found those same statistics online at Darkness to Light. I read on to discover the following:
30-40% of victims are abused by a family member.
Another 50% are abused by someone outside of the family whom they know and trust.
Approximately 40% are abused by older or larger children whom they know.
Therefore, only 10% are abused by strangers.
This website also lists seven steps to protect our children.
The newscast that I was listening to, also gave the web address to Family Watchdog. This is the National Sex Offender Registry. You can type in your zip code and it will bring up a map containing all of the sex offenders in your area. It will also give the offender's picture, their address, what they were convicted of, their description, their age, etc.
Of course, these are only the offenders that have been caught and prosecuted, but I guess at least knowing where these people are in relation to your house is a start in protecting your children.
These aren't "fun" links but they are necessary ones, because as mothers it's out job, no, it's our duty to protect our children.
8 comments:
Those are alarming statics.
One of my kids being abused is one of my worst fearing. Once it is done, it can never be taken back.
I some times think I am too caution, but then when reminded of those statics, I do not think you can be to careful.
That's horrifying. There's a terrible story in Sweden (neighbouring Norway where we are) about a 10 yr old girl, who's been missing for a week now. She was photographed only minutes from home, and now she's vanished. A 42 yr old with a history of molestation has been taken into custody. The whole thing is so awful, I just want to lock my boys up at home and throw away the key.
Heidi
I think you raised a valid point by stating the statistic about the the percentage of children abused by a family member (or someone they know). This is so scarey and sickening to me. I just don't understand how someone could take advantage of a child's trust and vulnerability.
I don't think you can ever be too cautious. Jennwa is so right, it can never be taken back.
Great post. I have one started in my draft box, but haven't finished it yet. I have so much more to say about this subject. YOu have done a great thing posting about this. Most people have no idea how prevalent it is. :(
thank you for posting about this. I hope when I get mine done it will elaborate a little bit more on this scary subject.
It makes me shudder. Truly horrifying.
I know Beth... I heard that too. It scares me to death.
I want to create a bubble around my house.
Beth, a very important topic, and thanks for those links.
Horrifying indeed. One of my worst fears as well.
We just sent our 7 yo for "stranger safety" training a few weeks ago... he said most of it was review, but hubs attended part of the session and some of the lines these sickos use to lure kids...I'm 42 and I think I might even fall for them.
Makes me shudder...
Yup. Super Scary stuff. Especially when you find out it is mostly from people we have exposed our kids to and that we possibly trust.
KEEP BELIEVING
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