Child Abuse - What is it

CHILD RAPE & ABUSE
Child Predators on The Internet.

While the computer age has opened a whole new world for our children to
explore and learn from, the "information superhighway" also has a dark side
we all need to be aware of. Just as they pray on land, Paedophiles lurk on
the Internet waiting to lure innocent children into their web of deviance.

Modern technology in the form of the Internet has made interaction between
paedophiles easier than in the past. The computer, in fact, has turned out
to be the greatest single advancement in the history of paedophilia. (Time,
May 1999)
By use of the computer, the paedophile can quickly organize his material,
communicate instantly with others who share his "interest" and surf the net
for potential victims.

The Internet provides a preferential child molester with unique
opportunities.
For example, he cannot hang around a school very long without arousing
suspicion, but he can remain in teen and pre-teen chat rooms indefinitely.
Through the Internet, the paedophile has something he could only dream
about - unlimited and unrestricted access to vulnerable children.
They know how to relate to children and find it easy to communicate on
their level. They present themselves in areas children frequent and often
pose as children. They get to know the child they are communicating with
and pass themselves off as a friend. They will often use smoking, drugs and
talking about sex as an incitement to lure the child to meet them without
anyone knowing.

The trap is then laid. The predator will lure the child out to meet with
them. Thinking it's another child, they set off to meet their friend. What
happens next depends on the plan of the predator. For some, this is enough
but for others the total violation of the innocent child is their major
priority.

The key to all of this is that child predators are cons. Their goals are as
varied as their egos. The limits for one may be just the beginning point
for another. There is no way to predict how any given predator will react.
Their personalities differ. Their needs are not the same. There is only one
thing they have completely in common:

That is the fact that they find their "thrill" in luring a child into their
trap

If you own a computer please educate children of any age of the following
simple rules, this may reduce your child's risk of exploitation.
Ø Become more aware on what your children are doing on-line. Who are
they chatting to, what web sites are being frequented.
Ø Your computer should be clearly visible and not hidden away in a
child's room.
Ø Teach your children NEVER to give out any personal information such
as their name, address, telephone numbers, the school attended, or the
shopping centres visited.
Ø Teach your children NEVER to send anyone a photograph or any other
item via the Internet to strangers without obtaining your permission.
Ø Teach them NEVER to respond to any message that makes them feel
uncomfortable. (unsolicited e-mail or e-mail from strangers) Don't allow
someone to say nasty or naughty things to them,
Ø Teach your children that if they come across this to let you know
immediately so that you can get the persons user ID and possibly their IP
address.
Ø Teach them NEVER to agree to meet with anyone they have met on-line.
If someone asks them to meet, first let them discuss it with you.

Web sites like www.enough.org and www.cyberangles.com have joined in the
struggle against paedophilia and on-line pornography. Software companies
have devised filtering and blocking programs like CYBERPATROL, NETNANNY and
SURFWATCH that you can install on your computer. This software will
automatically screen web sites for objectionable content and access.

Remember the more you know as parents, the more you can teach your
children. There is so much good in using the Internet and children should
be able to enjoy it SAFELY.

Your commitment may save a child's life - your complacency may cause
death.

Written & Researched By: Rana Eschur
Wo+men Against Child Abuse
Fighting For Their Rights.
(011) 789-8815