Conservatively Speaking
State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.
Kids Can Foil Kidnappers
By Mary Lazich
Friday, Sep 28 2007, 06:57 AM
Last September, I issued a column on attempted abductions of children. There is reassuring news for parents that many of the attempts can be and are thwarted by the intended victims: innocent children.
The beginning of a new school year is an appropriate time to focus on the safety of children and reflect on the findings of a 2006 study by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that concerned parents need to know.
The study looked at over 400 attempted abductions in 45 states from February 2005 to July 2006. Attempted kidnappings happen more often when a child is going to or from school or a school function. In 70% of the attempted abductions, the suspect had a vehicle. The kidnappers more often go after girls between the ages of 10 and 14.
So how did the kids get away? Six out of ten victims fought back in some way by screaming, yelling, even kicking and pulling away. Three out of ten did not have physical contact with their would-be kidnappers. They walked or ran away. And the remaining 10% were assisted by nearby Good Samaritans, adults who got involved and saved the children. Clearly, in 90% of the incidents, it was the action that the children took themselves that allowed them to escape and prevent further danger.
The National Center for Exploited and Missing Children suggests parents instruct children to recognize danger. If approached or grabbed, children should resist loudly and attract attention by yelling, kicking, and running away. Ideally, young children should not walk to or from school alone.
It is not impossible for parents and their children to make it as difficult as possible for predators to commit their evil crimes. Children have demonstrated they can do whatever it takes to successfully escape an attempted abduction.
