I hope that an increasing number of child protection
associations/organizations
will
include
animals
in
their
protection mission.
-Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP): A non-profit organization founded in 1996. The mission is online child protection.
ASACP fights child pornography, also aids in the prevention
of children from viewing material restricted to adults.
-The
financial
Coalition
against
Child
Pornography:
Consists of 35 prominent financial institutions and internet industry leaders in cooperation with The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and its sister organization The International Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
The goal is the elimination of the commercial viability of child pornography. Illegal enterprises are attacked by following the flow of funds and closing down payment accounts
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-Counter
Pedophilia
Investigation
Unit
(CPIU):
Was
established by a coalition of computer experts, law enforcement agents and anti-pedophilia experts.
CPIU’s primary mission is to educate the public in how to protect their children and to increase general public awareness about this problem.
CPIU helps to promote legislation to increase penalties for
the heinous crimes.
-World Street Children News: A blog of containing archived articles regarding street children. Sources include the media and other blogs.
-Enough is Enough: A non-partisan, non-profit organization emerged in 1994 as a national leader on the front lines to make the internet safer for children and families.
-Protect Kids.com: The mission is to protect children in cyberspace.
-End
Child
Prostitution
and
Child
Pornography
(International; ECPAT): Works for the right of all children to live their lives free of child prostitution, child pornography and child trafficking for sexual purposes.
ECPAT
International
is
a
worldwide
network
of
organizations
and
individuals
working
together
for
the
eradication of child prostitution, child pornography and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes.
NOTE: ECPAT USA and ECPAT UK are ECPAT International’s
sister organizations.
-International Initiative to End Child Labour (IECL): Nonprofit organization based in the United States incorporated in 1999.
The
IECL
provides
education,
training,
technical
assistance,
capacity
enhancement,
research,
social
accountability auditing, resources and evaluation services to institutions
(public
and
private),
non-governmental
organizations
(NGOs)
and
international
institutions
whose
mission is to eradicate the worst forms of child labour in the United States and worldwide.
-The National Law Center for Children and Families (NLC): Non-profit law center established in 1991. The NLC serves as an agent of change and education pertaining to child exploitation through seminars and website.
-Child Soldiers International: Mission is to prevent the
use
and
recruitment
of
child
soldiers;
secure
their
demobilization
and
to
secure
their
rehabilitation
and
reintegration into society.
-Child Rights International Network: Strives to make the
world a place where all children enjoy the rights promised by 156
the
United
Nations,
regional
organizations
and
national
governments. Strive for children’s rights not charity.
-The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome: Educates and trains parents and professionals and conducts research in order to prevent the shaking and abuse of infants in the United States.
-The War Amps: Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program: This program was established in 1975, encourages child amputees to accept their
amputations
and
to
build
a
positive
approach
to
challenges.
CHAMP provides services which include financial assistance for artificial limbs and recreational devices and emotional support programs are offered.
Child Sexual abuse comes in several forms. The abuser is an
older person who seeks some sort of arousal or sexual
satisfaction
from
his/her
behaviour
towards
the
child.
Regardless of what the offender claims, the child’s feelings and well-being are not taken into consideration.
The most direct form of child abuse involves physical
contact. However, it should be noted that sexual child abuse can also involve non-physical contact.
The following acts upon a child are forms of sexual abuse:
-Sexual touching of any form (the abuser touches the victim
or tells or demands that the victim touch him/her).
-The abuser tells or demands that the victim touch
him/herself in a sexual manner.
-Sexual kissing
-Oral, vaginal and anal sex
-Self-masturbation (by the offender) or masturbation of the offender by the victim.
-Flashing
-Viewing of pornographic material (does not have to be
pedophile porn, any porn).
-Reading pornographic literature.
-Dirty talk (sexual-natured) from offender to victim.
-The offender may tell or demand that the victim talk dirty
(sexual-natured) to the offender.
-Use
of
children
for
purposes
of
prostitution
or
pornography.
-Groping
-Sexual frotteurism (Sexual rubbing)
The most common estimates for the U.S. are that 1 in 6 boys
and 1 in 4 girls are sexually abused.
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General
Characteristics
of
pedophiles
include
the
following:
-The offender almost always knows the victim; close
relative, neighbour, babysitter, an individual who works with children.
-The abuser is a stranger in 1 in 10 cases.
-9 out of 10 abusers are males.
-An increasing number of child sexual abusers are surfing the net for potential victims. Some pedophiles are so brazen they form organizations for the purpose of meeting and ‘loving’
children. One such organization is the North American Man/Boy Love Association (NAMBLA).
NAMBLA is an advocacy organization whose mission is to
abolish age of consent laws regarding consensual sexual contact between an adult and a minor. Furthermore, the release of all men incarcerated for having sexual contact with minors not involving coercion.
-Many pedophiles are able to convince the victim to keep the molestation a secret. This is more easily achieved when the offender is a close relative of the child or if the offender is in a position of trust and authority.
In worse cases the offender may even blame the victim or convince him/her that the act is normal or that he/she liked it.
Every lie is for the advantage of the offender.
-Pedophiles tend to prefer a specific age range cohort.
-Pedophiles may prefer same sex children, opposite sex
children or both. However, most prefer one specific gender.
-Some pedophiles specifically direct their molestation at
girls too young to get pregnant; for them this is a safety net.
-Pedophiles enjoy owning and viewing child porn (books,
pictures, videos)
-Today the internet is a hot spot for viewing child porn and to pick up unsuspecting children.
-Pedophiles can be married, single, divorced or separated, heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual.
-Pedophiles may have a criminal record or be a prominent member of the community. Prominent members make more news.
-A pedophile may commit dozens or in some cases hundreds of
acts before being discovered, charged and convicted and sent to prison.
In brief child molesters can be of the following types:
-Situational Child Molester: May not have a sole preference
for children however increased stress or other factors may prompt sexual molestation of a child.
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Molestation with a child may be a one-time event or may be a lifelong pattern. The victims are generally few in number.
The targeting of helpless-defenceless victims is a major
trademark of this type of situational child molester. The elderly, mentally and physically handicapped and the sick are vulnerable targets.
The following are sub-types of the Situational Child
Molester:
-Regressed
Child
Molester:
Low
self-esteem,
low
socialization skills and an inability to cope with everyday problems and life’s challenges. Children are a substitute for real life normal sexual relations.
Availability often plays a vital role in molestation; hence
this sub-type often molests his/her own children.
-Morally Indiscriminate Child Molester: This person is an abuser and a user, period. He/she likely abuses others. He’ll lie, cheat, steal and commit other immoral acts if he thinks he can get away with it.
-Inadequate Child Molester: Mentally sick or unstable. This sub-type most fits the category of a ‘loser’ or ‘social loser’.
He may have no friends, be a loner, insecure and withdrawn.
Insecurity
or
curiosity
may
play
a
role
in
child
molestation. Furthermore, they’re defenceless.
The
inadequate
child
molester
may
become
extremely
dangerous. Anger and rage may be catapulted unto the child victim. In this case scenario sexual torture or may result.
-Preferential Child Molester: This is the hardcore child
molester. He/she prefers children outright; they’re attracted to children in a fantasy-sexual manner.
-Sadistic Child Molester: The sadism is usually not caused by a build-up of anger or hostility. This type of molester enjoys committing sadistic-sexual acts upon children.
Interviewers
and
interrogators
in
suspected
child
molestation cases should have a good knowledge of child molester typologies.
Documentation
of
behaviour
patterns
must
be
carefully done.
Interrogators must bring forth as much information about
the offender and the victim/s. Organization, coordination, hard work and tenacity are important qualities of interrogators and investigators.
The particular method of approach and enticement pattern of
the offender should be carefully noted.
Participants must be proficient skilful in the art of
interrogation and interviewing.
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NOTE: All suspects are innocent until proven guilty. Being accused or charged with a crime doesn’t necessarily guarantee guilt.
In a broader sense there are general signs to look for if you suspect that a child has been molested:
-Bleeding or discharge from the vagina or rectum.
-Pain, discomfort, itching, swelling or bruising of the
vagina or rectum.
-Sores, warts, chancres, infections or any other STD-like appearing symptoms.
-Laboured and/or painful urinating; infections.
-Semen on any part of the body or clothing. If a male, ensure that it wasn’t caused by a nocturnal emission (wet dream) or masturbation. However, if the person is a child this is definitely a red flag.
-Ripped or torn clothing.
-Painful walking or seating.
-Sexually acting out that is inappropriate for the age of the child; in older children promiscuity or even prostitution.
-Self-cutting or other forms of self-mutilation.
-Suicide or attempted suicide.
-Overly fearful of a particular person.
-Signs of injury in or surrounding the genital area or
thighs
-Pregnancy, if the girl is a pubescent this is a red flag.
Parents or caregivers, law-enforcement, social services and the family’s healthcare provider must find out who the father is.
-Self-abuse.
-Major changes in eating habits, especially if occur
suddenly.
-Withdrawal, drastically reduced social skills especially
if it occurs suddenly and without warning.
-Sudden increased knowledge of a sexual nature.
-Excessive masturbation like behaviour.
-Cringing and/or fearful of adults usually males.
-Preoccupation with one’s own genitals.
-Sudden regressing
-Sudden bedwetting
-Waking
up
suddenly
during
the
night
sweating
and
screaming.
-Sudden drastic change in behaviour, cowering too much or overly aggressive.
-Sudden drop in school performance.
-Health problems
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According to The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry an estimated 40 percent of American children are left home alone at some point each week. These are referred to as
‘latchkey kids’.
The phrase ‘latchkey kid’ began to be used in the early 1800s. Children and youth were responsible for their own well-being and care. They began to wear their home keys tied around their neck by a string.
Today there are many more of these latchkey kids. Many
families have dual income parents, or in the case of one parent a sole worker.
At home, sometimes an older sibling is forced to care for a
younger sibling. Daycare may not be suitable to the child, may not be available in the area, may be too expensive, low quality, or there are no relatives or neighbours that are willing to supervise the children.
Parents of latchkey kids can read the following statements as a basic guide:
-The child should feel comfortable being along.
-The
child
should
be
overly
fearful,
anxious
or
apprehensive about being left alone.
-The child should understand the added responsibility.
-Parents should ask the child directly how he/she feels
about being a latchkey kid.
-Children with chronic medical problems, mentally unstable or are terrified of taking on the added responsibility of caring for themselves may be unable to do so. Forcing this kind of a child to become a latchkey kid may jeopardize his/her safety.
-Above all else, the safety, well-being and happiness of the child are of utmost importance.
-Parents must take the latchkey phenomenon seriously. It is
a serious decision that should be thought out.
-Parents who fall below, are at or are just above the
poverty line may not be given much of a choice in this matter.
Babysitting or daycare may over-drain the limited family
resources.
-Accidents including serious ones can occur (ex. kitchen
appliances, boiling oil, fires).
-A child will always be a child no matter what.
-Keeping the doors locked, whom to allow in the house and what to do about prowlers.
-The number 911 must be memorized. Furthermore, important phone numbers including the parents, close relatives, neighbours should be posted in an easy place to see (ex. on the fridge door).
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-Sudden changes in the parents’ schedule (ex. delayed
traffic, meetings, etc.) must be promptly dealt with. The child must be informed.
-Home rules must be established (ex. no frying or baking of
food, no friends can come over, studying, television viewing, etc.)
-Practice drills are encouraged.
-If more than one sibling is at home they should get along well.
Furthermore,
rank
and
hierarchy
may
have
to
be
established.
-Planning for school holidays (if they fall on work days).
The child won’t be at school all day long but will want to leave home to play.
-Parents should understand the law in their jurisdiction
regarding leaving children unattended to. There may be legal ramifications if one or more children are harmed in an accident.
-Some communities use adult volunteers and/or community
organizations to check in on latchkey kids.
Children are used in war in numerous countries, fighting, laying down landmines, as sentries, scouts, spies, labourers, porters and as sex objects (males and females are used).
Below are basic facts about the use of child soldiers:
-The child soldier problem exists in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. However, Africa has by far been the hardest hit.
-In the past decade alone it is estimated that several
hundred thousand child soldiers have been recruited, forced to fight, and many of them have been wounded, maimed or killed.
-The mental trauma of being a child soldier is horrendous.
Often=times
it’s
lifelong.
Social
services
and
relevant
counselling are generally not available in the affected areas.
-Adequate medical care is for the most part a dream.
Children who are maimed are worth nothing to the militias.
They’re often tossed away like garbage or simply left where they are.
-Child
soldiers
are
forced to
work
under
extremely
dangerous conditions.
-Child soldiers are predominately used by government
sponsored paramilitary groups, militias and self-defence groups.
-Conflict zones are a hot spot.
-Used in militias fighting against the central government.
-Clans, religious groups and ethnic groups use children.
-The primary age cohort is 14 to 18. However, children as young as 8 or 9, sometimes even younger are also used.
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-Most of the children are too young to understand what
they’re getting into. Even the ones who ‘voluntarily’ enlist are often being deceived.
-Many cases of enlistment are forced; the use of extreme intimidation that includes death, beatings and/or torture or imprisonment is used.
-Children from war-torn, especially poor regions have
little or no hope in other ventures. It’s often a matter of survival. Furthermore, the militia can offer protection from enemies.
-Abductions of individual, small groups or large numbers of
children into combat situations are frequent. In these areas there’s little or no law.
-Rape of boys and especially girls is common.
-Youth and children under the age of 15 have been
forcefully enlisted into military faction in Somalia. Threats and intimidation is a basic tool of enticement.
-In Somalia young girls have been forced into marrying
soldiers.
-Somali children are enticed with money and material goods to perform military or criminal acts.
-Brainwashing of children into indoctrination is a common technique used; ethnicity, nationalism, religion, hatred of the other, etc.
-The childhood years are literally missed.
-Child soldiers have significantly reduced or obliterated
education.
-In one particular case in Somalia a teacher was literally killed for trying to intercede in the abduction of his entire class. Naturally, the children watched in horror.
-Child soldiers may be forced to kill, view torture and witness other horrors. Hence, although child soldiers are victims they can be forced to behave as horrible victimizers.
-The transitional government of Somalia has committed
horrible acts against children.
-In a particular case the Lord’s Resistance Army, a
paramilitary resistance group forcefully abducted a 15 year-old girl. After receiving 5 weeks of military training she was sent off to fight the Ugandan forces.
This same girl was forced to kill a boy who attempted to escape from the militia group. She saw a boy being chopped up for negligence of duty, and she was beaten for dropping a water container and fled for cover during a gun battle.
-A solid governmental infrastructure is needed to protect children. Children need this protection because as a general rule they’re physically and mentally weaker than adults.
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-Child soldiers need and want our help. They, like other children around the world, have a GOD-given right to live happily, peacefully and securely. They are entitled to clean food and water, proper and safe shelter, an education and an opportunity to advance and improve their lives.
The eradication of the child soldier problem will take much
work. DDR is one of the methods used:
-Disarmament: The collection and confiscation of small arms and light and heavy weaponry in conflict zones.
-Demobilization: Discharging of soldiers from the military or from armed groups.
-Reintegration: Long-term process enabling former child
soldiers to choose a better and more suitable alternative to armed conflict and to help them reintegrate back into society.
Reintegration also entails reuniting with family (if