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Protect Your Children
Educate Yourself
by Mark Simon
The cases
usually appeared the same way. Sitting at my desk, I would read
through crime reports generated by patrol officers answering calls
for service. During my five or so years as a detective in the
sex crimes detail, hundreds, if not thousands, of reports came
across my desk. Unfortunately, a large number of the cases could
have been avoided.
A common statement
made by parents during my investigation was: "I had a feeling
something was not right," or "He seemed like a genuinely nice
person that I felt I could trust." There is a reason for this.
Not all pedophiles
are strangers lurking in parks or game arcades. In fact, the majority
are neighbors, co-workers or family members. Educating your children
can protect them against the "stranger" molester. Educating yourself
will protect them from the violator who lives down the street.
This predator
is very adept at gaining your trust. He has to be, for this is
the way he gains access to your child. A pedophile will spend
months, or even years, to gain your trust. Bottom line is …don't.
Pedophiles learn what to say, and how and when to say it.
I had a case
involving a 23-year-old living in an apartment complex. He placed
an ad in the laundry room offering free babysitting. Thirteen
parents, all single mothers with financial restrictions, took
him up on his offer.
Be aware of
adults who spend an inordinate amount of time with children. I
have actually had cases where adult men turned their garages into
video game rooms simply to lure the neighborhood kids to his home.
Another case involved a man offering free math tutoring to his
neighbor. The victim was molested for two years until the mother
went to his apartment and saw her daughter sitting on his lap.
And remember, not all pedophiles are male. Although very rare,
there have been cases involving female perpetrators.
There is not
enough room here for me to list all the techniques and methods
pedophiles use in their hunt for victims. Please take the time
to research their behavior. If you witness this behavior, react
appropriately and quickly. Too often I was told: "I should have
seen this coming."
Mark Simon
33282 Golden Lantern Suite 112
Dana Point, CA 92628
949-295-8511
msimoninv@cox.net
South Coast
Magazine - Spring 2007)
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