Disregard Stereotypes.
Before this experience, my ideas about sexual predators were admittedly shaped by film and television. Obviously, most offenders are not parked in their tinted-window kidnapper vans beyond the school playground. This man was a churchgoing, job-holding, married man with children of his own who was connected with our family through our regular activities.
Sexual predators are anywhere and everywhere. They could be in your church, or at your child’s school. They could be coaches or music instructors. They could be babysitters. They could be family members.
Trust your intuition, when we understand that offenders are living and working with us, we are more likely to take efforts to educate ourselves and our children about abuse prevention.
Be Aware of Your Vulnerabilities.
Hear me, please. Predators are watching us. They are involved with our lives. They are observing us, trying to identify weak spots.
I was a young mom when Bob took interest in our family. I was adjusting to life with a toddler and a newborn. I was exhausted. Bob was someone who could offer relief — someone who wanted to help me.
He showed up at the right time and volunteered to do things no one else was offering to do.
It’s unlikely that sex offenders will knock on our front doors and take off with our children. They take their time becoming involved with our lives, building relationships and earning trust before doing their irreparable damage.
I was suspicious of Bob’s motives, but what if I hadn’t been? What if I was under more duress? What if I was a single parent, or lacking a solid support network? What if I was ill or broke? Would I have conceded more easily then? Trust your intuition.
Yes, abuse crosses socioeconomic boundaries, but those who lack support and resources may be easier targets. Being aware of our weak spots can help us to exercise extra caution with potential threats.
Moving Forward.
I never want to think of this experience as our one close call – the time we were spared from abuse. I want to use it to educate our family and ward off future offenders. I want it to do the same for your family.
No matter how uncomfortable it may be, we caregivers need to be eyes and ears for one another, keeping watch for people or situations that could possibly be dangerous to any children. We must be willing to approach one another, and willing to listen and receive concerns with a spirit of openness and togetherness.
Not all incidents of abuse can be prevented by adults, but cautious vigilance by caregivers can contribute to safer homes and communities for all children.
This article was originally posted on Her View From Home.
