Hey
kids, have you ever been separated from your mom or dad? Way
scary, right? That's just how your mom and dad feel when you're
missing!
Has a stranger ever tried to get you into their car or grabbed you? That's
the ultimate scare!
You think it's no big deal when you wander away from your parents in the
store or when you don't tell your parents where you're going to be … right?
Wrong!
Your mom and dad are so scared when they can't find you!
When
you wander off or you're just hanging out with your friends
you eventually come back and everything is cool!
It's
not always like that when you get into a stranger's car or
let them take you somewhere …that's a bigger deal!
Some
kids don't come back because they've been abducted. Being abducted
means someone has taken you away against your will. When you're
abducted people do bad things to you, or tell you to do things
to them that don't feel right or good to you.
Do you even know what an abductor looks like? Can you see them in the street
or pick them out of a crowd?
Kidnappers
don't look any different than you and me. They don't act differently.
It's not easy to know if you're near a kidnapper.
A
kidnapper will want to be your friend. They might offer you
candy or presents. They might tell you that they want you to
help them find their lost puppy. They might tell you that your
mom or dad was in an accident and they're there to take you
to your mom or dad.
Remember
one thing … they can hurt you!
Never
take rides candy gifts or money from strangers. It's
okay to say NO THANK YOU!
If you don't
know them … don't go!
If
they try to grab you, scream real loud and run away as fast
as you can. Kick, bite, punch, elbow …do whatever you
have to do to get away.
Some
kidnappers will dress up in a fake uniform and have a fake
badge like policemen or guards. If someone important like that
comes up to you and says you've done something bad and you
have to go with them … follow your heart. Stay calm and
remember it's a trick!
Remember that a kidnapper can only hurt you if they can take you away somewhere.
The best way to do that is in a car … so don't go near or get into the
car.
If you are walking and a car pulls up next to you and you can't hear what
the person inside is saying … It doesn't matter what they are saying,
BACK UP and RUN AWAY. Run toward the back of the car. That makes it hard
for the driver to chase you.
If
you don't see a police officer anywhere, find a store, or a
place where there are a lot of people and get help.
If
you are taken away, your abductor will probably tell you your
parents didn't want you anymore. Never ever believe that. It's
not true!
Before you go anywhere, always check first with your parents or the person
in charge. Tell them where you are, how you'll get there, who will be going
with you and, when you'll be back.
Check
for permission from your parents before getting into a car,
or leaving with anyone … even if it's someone you know.
Check first before changing plans or accepting money, or gifts
without your parents' knowledge.
Say NO if someone tries to touch you in ways that make frighten you, confuse
you, or make you feel uncomfortable. Then go and tell a grown-up who you
trust what happened.
It
is never your fault if someone touches you in a way that is
not O.K. You don't ever have to keep secrets about those touches.
Always
trust your feelings and talk to grown-ups about problems that
are too big for you to handle on your own. There are a lot of
people care who about you, and they'll listen and believe you.
You're not alone.
It is never too late to ask for help. Keep asking until you get
the help you need. You are so special and you deserve to feel
safe.
Luckily, most kids who are abducted are returned home safely.
Child abduction is
rare, but remember to always think and use common sense in every
situation.
Fight Back Kids Art™ Created For Love Our Children USA
by J. Ira Monroe,
bwana art studio
