By John Muturi
Not too long ago, we saw and heard media reports across the globe, of children who had been abducted, molested, or gone missing. We assumed it happened to others, and not us. Today, a day hardly passes without news of abduction and parents asked to pay a hefty ransom. Some unlucky ones have had their children disappear without trace. Reports that child trafficking is big business does not help matters, nor does the chilling fact that small girls are sold for sexual exploitation.
So, when you discover that your child is missing, the immediate reaction is feeling terrified as you imagine the many bad things that could be happening to him or her, including the mortifying possibility that they may be dead.
It is, however, imperative that you stay calm, because a simple mistake may cause you to never find your child.
Moreover, you do not want to raise a false alarm when your child could have simply gone somewhere without telling you. So, a thorough check of the places in and around your home that pose the greatest danger to your child such as the river, lake, swimming pool and ponds, is the very first thing you need to do. Marshal help from neighbours. A door-to-door search in the neighbourhood is important, and especially at the homes where your child frequents.
At the same time, contact everyone who may know where your child could be. If you still do not find him or her, report to the authorities starting with the nearest police station for extra help.
Identification
It helps to provide authorities with all the necessary information that will help in identifying your child. This includes distinguishing birthmarks and scars. A clear description of the appearance of your child is necessary, for instance, his or her age and weight. A recent photograph of the child could go along way in boosting this.
Remember though, that knowing where your child is or how he is being treated is probably one of the most difficult things to face. At some point during the search, your hopes will be raised, then suddenly, you will sink to your lowest ebb. You will need a lot of strength, hope and will power to go through it.
Prevention is better than cure and teaching your child life-saving tips makes them less vulnerable to dangers from strangers. Parents should begin teaching the safety measures as soon as a child is old enough to understand, and most importantly, ensuring the child feels at ease to discuss his or her concerns, fears, or any other issues they face.
Talk to your child
To facilitate this, we need not emphasise the importance of communication with your child. Open communication channels mean the child feels free to tell you everything that is happening in their lives. For instance, if someone approaches and offers them anything to entice them, they will tell you about it — especially if you have taught them never to accept offers or treats from strangers.
It is also important to teach them at an early age, the facts about abduction and what it means. That includes explaining who a stranger is. For instance, they have to know that a neighbour is a stranger notwithstanding the fact that they see him or her everyday.
Teach your children their full name, your name, address and telephone number. It will not be very useful if you do not go further and teach them how to use the mobile phone, landline and even how to make long distance phone calls. And your cell phone numbers including the office one should be well displayed in the house where the child can quickly refer and call you if need be.
It is common for children to be abducted as they walk to and from school or other destinations. Teaching the child never to walk alone but to always walk with a friend or a group of friends is a good first step to safety education.
Remember, there is always safety in numbers. It takes only seconds for an abductor to snatch a child and lone rangers are the best prey. Furthermore, if they feel uncomfortable with someone, they should trust their instinct and not leave school or any other place or event with the person.
Emergency help
Your child should be able to communicate with you on their plight immediately so that they are not left stranded making them even more vulnerable to abduction. Point out to the child a trusted adult they can call if they are scared or have an emergency. Instruct your househelp, friends and authorities at your child’s school not to release your child to other people unless you have given them advance instructions to this effect. And from the onset, it pays to walk (or drive) with your child the route to school, pointing landmarks and places to go if they are being followed or need help. Show him or her the acceptable routes to school and especially the importance of using main roads and avoiding shortcuts or isolated areas.
Enticing strangers
Children should also be taught to turn down offers for rides or other favours from strangers and instead, to run away. If the stranger follows them, they should run away while shouting that "This is not my parent or relative," so the attackers are scared off.
Further, it pays for parents to point out homes that are safe and where their children can feel comfortable to seek refuge at any time whenever the need arises. For this to happen, regular interaction with and an understanding with neighbours to watch after each other’s children is important.
The other golden rule is that when alone at home, children should never open the door to strangers. They should also never volunteer information to anyone on the telephone that they are home alone. Equally, they should never play outside the house without direct supervision of an adult. Also ensure the doors and windows in your home are secure.
