Sex Crime Prevention

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Sex Crime Prevention
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Sex Crime Prevention Overview

• The best protection against sex crime is an
  informed
• public. Providing more information to the
  community to
• protect itself and increasing awareness and
• understanding can be a significant step toward
  the
• reduction of sex crimes in Vermont.
• The following slides give a brief insight into
  some of the
• issues and measures that communities can take to
• promote a safer living environment.

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Effective Prevention Strategies Look Beyond the
Tip of the Iceberg
Sex Offender Registries, Media and Word of Mouth
Known Unknown Sex Offenders
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Effective Prevention Strategies Look Beyond the
Tip of the Iceberg (cont.)

• It is important to understand that the sex
  offender registries are simply tools to help
  enhance public awareness and they only provide
  information about specific known sex offenders.
• Doesnt include those who were convicted prior to
  the law going into effect
• Doesnt include those who have yet to be caught
• Doesnt include those convicted and still
  incarcerated.

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What Do Victims Tell Us?Kilpatrick et al.
(2003). National Survey of Adolescents.Victim
reporting of sexual crime
86 of Sexual abuse not reported to the
authorities
some cases reported to more than one authority
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What Do Victims Tell Us? (cont.) Victims
Greatest Concerns Kilpatrick, Edmunds, Seymour
(1992). Rape in America.

• Family knowing about the sexual assault
  71
• People thinking it was his/her fault
  69
• People outside the family knowing about assault
  68
• Name being made public by the news media
  50

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What citizens can do to protect themselves and
their children

• If you receive notification that a known sex
  offender is living in your community this is a
  good time to
• reinforce family safety planning
• discuss specific concerns about this offender
• be observant, vigilant and aware of your
  surroundings
• get involved in your Neighborhood Crime Watch
  program
• work with local Law Enforcement

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What citizens can do to protect themselves and
their children (cont.)

• Talk about more than just Stranger Danger.
• Be aware that 90 of sex offenses against
  children are committed by someone known to the
  victim.
• Be aware that 66 of sex offenses against adults
  are committed by someone known to the victim.
• Keep open communications with kids
• Indicate that you need to be informed of any
  inappropriate touching
• Assure your children they will be believed
• Talk to your children about the dangers of
  internet predators
• Restrict or monitor instant messaging and chat
  group participation

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What citizens can do to protect themselves and
their children (cont.)

• Be vigilant for behavior changes in your children
  that may be indicative of some problem
• Are they abnormally moody, distraught or
  reclusive
• Does their interest in school or outside
  activities change
• Do they neglect or change their friends
• Be observant of other people that may display
  signs of deviant sexual preferences and behavior
  (including within your own home and neighborhood)
• Be aware of any inappropriate conversation
• Be aware of any inappropriate touching or
  gestures
• Is anyone spending unusually large amounts of
  time with your child
• Is anyone befriending your child in any way
  gifts, etc beyond the norm

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What citizens can do to protect themselves and
their children (cont.)

• Be alert for strangers or strange vehicles around
  your home, schools or playgrounds
• Remember that sex offenders can be anywhere but
  you can minimize crime by limiting offenders
  opportunities.

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8 Safety Rules for Children

• I always check first with my parents or the
  person in charge before I go anywhere or get into
  a car, even with someone I know.
• I always check first with my parents or a trusted
  adult before I accept anything from anyone, even
  from someone I know.
• I always take a friend with me when I go places
  or play outside.
• I know my name, address, telephone number, and my
  parent's names.
• I say no if someone tries to touch me or treat me
  in a way that makes me feel scared,
  uncomfortable, or confused.
• I know that I can tell my parents or a trusted
  adult if I feel scared, uncomfortable, or
  confused.
• It is OK to say no, and I know that there will
  always be someone who can help me.
• I am strong, smart, and have the right to be safe.

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Summary

• Reduction of sex crimes can occur with an aware
  and informed public.
• The fact that the majority of sexual offenses are
  not reported and that the majority of known
  offenses are committed by someone known to the
  offender are key concerns for the community.
• Dont be afraid to talk to your children and
  ensure that they understand the need for open
  conversation and attention to safe practices to
  minimize their risk of victimization.

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End "Sex Crime Prevention"
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