Integrity Matters
March 22, 2006
National Web site locates child sex
predators
Question: (E-232)
Dear Jim:
You have discussed the risks to children created
by sexual predators, including cyber-pedophiles, who
use the internet. But what can be done when
sex offenders live in our neighborhoods, and we are
not aware?
Response:
Regarding protecting children from cyber-predators,
when using a computer in your home; reserve space for
internet usage that is in the flow of family activity.
Ask questions when the screen presents images or content
that make you uncomfortable. Bringing internet predators
to justice requires bold and supportive parenting, beginning
with being attentive to how young people are using computers
or being approached through cyberspace. My Integrity
Matters column on December 21, 2005: Internet
requires vigilance by parents mentioned that
law enforcement officials estimate that 50,000 predators
are online at any given moment and one in five young
people have been sexually solicited. Parents, families,
teachers, neighbors and others responsible for guiding
children must remain involved by staying close when young
people are online.
Thanks to responsive legislation, an online registry
of convicted sex offenders has been created, in the United
States. There is a need to know who these sex offenders
are and where they live. Are they next door, near
your child's school or close to where your loved
ones play? The frightening fact is that many sex
offenders are still on the prowl. The good news
is that you can locate them by accessing a free, website: Family
Watch Dog. http://www.familywatchdog.us Telephone: (949)
209-8768.
Family Watch Dog reports that 90%
of all sexual assaults against children are committed
by someone whom the victim knew. The typical sexual
predator will assault 30 to 60 times before being caught.
The re-arrest rate for convicted child molesters is
52%.
Family Watch Dog's aim is to
constructively impact these percentages by ensuring
that all sexual predators are known. This service
exists for one reason: the founders were frustrated
by reading news reports about missing young children
who had been killed by registered sex offenders. They
decided to do something about it.
Family Watch Dog provides current information,
about the location, throughout the United States, of registered
sex offenders. To protect your family, your neighborhood
and yourself, browse their free website:
http://www.familywatchdog.us. Enter
your address, or the address of those for whom you have
concerns, and study color maps pinpointing locations of
each registered sex offender living within the identified
area. You will also see a photograph and street address
of each registered sex offender, along with a listing of
their previous crimes. Pass along the link, improving
safety and possibly saving lives. Protecting children from
sex offenders is exercising appropriate social responsibility,
exhibiting integrity-centered adult leadership. The time
is now.
