Parents urged to attend seminar
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There will be a variety of information provided at Signs of the Crimes, including a handout listing addresses, photos and information on registered sex offenders residing locally. A list of confidential phone numbers for reporting suspected sexual abuse and to obtain counseling will be provided.
Speakers will include investigator Tom Evans of the Knoxville police department who will be talking about Internet predators and how to monitor your child’s activities on the World Wide Web.
Along with law enforcement, local school counselors will be making presentations and providing booklets on several aspects of sex crimes involving children.
Kay Brownyard, a counselor at Hickory Creek Elementary, says it is important for parents and caregivers, and anyone who is involved with children, to attend this program.
“For the personal safety of children it’s of the utmost importance for parents to become involved in the safety of their children when it comes to child sexual abuse,” Brownyard said. “They need to become more aware because sexual abuse is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. This program will help parents become more aware of the signs of sexual abuse. More aware of using their “gut instinct” to help keep their children safe.”
Brownyard said one aspect of sexual abuse has resulted in the crime being hidden in the past.
“Most children are abused by people who are known and trusted by the family,” Brownyard said, noting in some cases the perpetrator may even be a family member. As a result, sexual abuse has been one of the most unreported of crimes. Brownyard says the results of sexual molestation can be devastating to a child.
“They develop low self-esteem,” she said. “They may have eating disorders, problems sleeping, trouble concentrating on their grades.”
Brownyard said there will be a variety of printed information available at the program designed to help parents recognize such signs.
“We are giving free materials in both English and Spanish,” Brownyard said. “Parents will receive “Personal Safety for Children” booklets. As far as making children safe from abduction we have a pamphlet called “Better Safe than Sorry” and pamphlets listing signs of sexual abuse in both Spanish and English.”
The importance of the Signs of the Crimes program cannot be overstated, according to Brownyard.
“I would like to invite all parents, or concerned citizens, to come to the Signs of the Crimes program because it could help save, not only your child, but other children, from being kidnapped or sexually abused,” Brownyard said.