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.
