“CHILD MOLESTERS”
Child Molesters use many tricks to entice or force their young victims to go with them. Here is a list of precautions which will help protect your child.
1. NEVER hitchhike or accept a ride from a stranger. EVEN IF THEY SAY THEY KNOW YOUR PARENT!!!!!!!!!
2. NEVER take money, candy or gifts from a stranger.
3. NEVER invite strangers into the home when alone.
4. NEVER stand near a car when giving a stranger directions.
5. NEVER play in empty or deserted buildings or places.
6. NEVER be lured into a house, washroom or isolated area.
7. NEVER play alone in alleyways or isolated (lonely) areas.
8. NEVER take short cuts through empty fields.
9. If you are molested (touched in the wrong places – anywhere your bathing suit covers) or you see a suspicious person lurking near school grounds, parks or in the neighbourhood, immediately advise your parents, a relative, a teacher, an older friend or police officer.
10. Run and scream if anyone tries to molest you.
11. Scatter (throw) your books or belongings if you are forced towards a building or car. These will make people aware that something wrong has happened.
12. Remember what the person looks like, size, colour of hair, eyes, clothes, car description.
13. If there is a car involved, copy down the license plate number. If you don’t have a pen or pencil, use your finger in the dirt if you need to.
14. Parents, check all potential babysitters, and be knowledgeable about older friends you may have.
15. The police officer is your friend. Rely on him/her if in trouble.
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A community problem!
“Child Abuse” Is defined as any one of the following three conditions:
1. Physical harm;
2. Malnutrition
3. Mental ill-health
For the purpose of reporting, the above need to be reported when they are of a degree that if not immediately remedied, could seriously impair growth and development or result in permanent injury or sexual molestation.
According to the Law, any person who has information concerning the abuse, abandonment, desertion or need for protection of a child must report that information immediately to the Children’s Aid Society (C.A.S.) at 924-4646. An informant is protected from civil liability unless the report of abuse is given to the C.A.S. maliciously or without reasonable grounds to suspect that the information is true.
Physical harm is to be reported if the child has been injured by a person who has care or custody of him/her or if that person has permitted the injury. It is not necessary that the indications of injury be visible. An adult’s neglect or refusal to obtain necessary care or treatment is reportable, if it seriously risks the child’s health.
The malnutrition definition of “abuse” means a lack of sufficient or the right kind of nourishment, and also includes the fact that emotional needs have been seriously neglected as a result of rejection or lack of attention.
Sexual molestation refers to any improper sexual activity between a child and the adult who has his care or custody. The consent of the child to the absence of physical injury is irrelevant. (doesn’t matter). Improper or excessive sexual activity between children may constitute molestation if an adult in charge of either child knows about it and does nothing.
Early reporting of child abuse is vital. A social worker can often provide the necessary help and guidance that prevents a major crisis. If you suspect that a child is being abused, then immediately contact the Children’s Aid Society.
Referrals about child abuse can be made at ANYTIME, day or night, seven days a week. Do not hesitate to do it, and certainly do not think someone else will do it.
Child abuse is a symptom of a family in trouble; if intervention takes place early enough, the child and his parents can be helped and the family could possibly remain intact.
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