When Elizabeth Smart was abducted from her own home in an upscale neighborhood in Salt Lake City, it shook residents to the core. If this could happen to the Smart family, it could happen to any of us. Then, just a few years later, five-year-old Destiny Norton was abducted from her backyard and killed.
We need to be hyper-aware of the people who are in our children's lives. We need to become better informed about sex offenders and learn how to use Utah's Sex Offender database. We need to educate our children on safe behaviors and we need to maintain diligence at all times.
Difficulty: N/A
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
- Check Utah's Sex Offender Registry and enter your zip code. This will let you know where sex offenders live in your neighborhood, who they are and what kind of car they drive. Convicted offenders are required to update their addresses and information each time they move. Please keep in mind though, that these are only those who have been caught and convicted. Many sex offenders and pedophiles are still operating under the radar. Don't let your guard down with somebody just because they are not listed in the registry. Read about Megan's Law.
- Make sure you know where your child is all the time. Keep a list of friend's and neighbor's phone numbers. If your child complains because they feel you are too overprotective, remind them that protecting them is your job. Don't allow your child out alone and make sure they know basic 'Stranger Danger' rules. Tell them not to get into a car with somebody they don't know. Tell them to pair up or walk in groups. Tell them not to open the door to a stranger when they're home alone and to never tell a stranger on the phone if their parent's are out of the house.
- At an appropriate age, talk to your child about body boundaries. Remember too, that many pedophiles are not strangers but somebody your child may love and trust. Read Profile of a Pedophile to understand more about these types of sex offenders. Your child needs to understand when somebody is doing something inappropriate and they need to know who they should tell. Finally, if your child does tell you about inappropriate behavior, believe them and take action even if the situation will cause you or your family embarrassment. It's not worth damaging your child's future for the sake of familial pride.
- If your child is the victim of sexual abuse in Salt Lake City, contact the Utah Police Department and file a report. There are many victim resources available depending on your unique circumstance. Here are some FAQs about Sexual Assault and Abuse.
- If your child is abducted, first contact the police department. They will help you begin the Amber Alert process.
- Keep a child identification kit in a safe location in your home. The kits are available through The National Child Identification Program. The Utah Sheriff's office teamed up with local credit unions to provide kits to Utah children. Check with your credit union and your child's school.
The kit is a recent photograph of your child, fingerprints and a DNA sample. This can prove invaluable for the police when searching.
Tips:
- Know your neighbors. Make sure your children know who they can ask for help if you are not around.
- Educate your child. There are many resources and books available to help you talk about this sensitive subject with your child.
- Educate yourself. Learn about the characteristics of a pedophile, know the location and identity of convicted sex offenders and make sure you are doing everything possible to protect your child.
- Keep your home locked and check the windows. A determined kidnapper will enter a home. Consider investing in a security system.
- Pay attention and report any suspicious activity to the police.
What You Need:
- A computer to check the Sex Offender Registry.
- Information. Contact your local victim resource agencies.
- Rules. Make sure your children follow them.
- A recent photo of your child in case of an abduction.
- A child identification kit. Ask your local police department.
- A list of phone numbers of your child's friends and neighbors.
