Sexual Assault and Child Abuse: Things You Can Do To Help

The statistics from Wednesday were pretty sobering.  And frankly, they are depressing.  And, if you are like me, you want to help prevent these crimes and help take care of those that have been victimized.  So, here are a few tips to help you get started:

  1. Apple offers an app called Sex Offender Search. It is free and offers the most up-to-date information from the National Sex Offender Registry. You can check the neighborhood around your home and other places your child visits frequently such as the neighborhoods for babysitters and grandparents. Or, check the area around where you child takes music lessons or gymnastics.  When you go on vacation, check the area near your hotel or resort.
  2. Another free app offered by Apple is the FBI Child ID app. This app was developed by the Federal Bureau of Investigations.  You can upload the latest photos of your child as well as key information. If your child goes missing, the FBI can use the uploaded information to quickly alert local law enforcement, etc. The app also has tips on keeping children safe from predators as well as steps to take if your child should go missing.
  3. Support local agencies and businesses who are helping abuse victims. In Knoxville, Verizon Wireless just announced it would match all donations (up to $10,000) to the Knoxville Family Justice Center during the month of April. The Knoxville Family Justice System is one of 15 centers created nationwide to help abuse victims. The Knoxville Center helps roughly 1,000 victims per year. Another great agency is Davis House Children’s Advocacy Center.  On April 18, the Nashville Sexual Assault Center will be hosting a walk to raise money for the only center in Middle Tennessee that exclusively provides counseling to child and adult victims of sexual assault. Support these worthy groups with donations.
  4. Learn more about bystander intervention and be willing to intervene. The Tennessean has offered training called “See Something; Say Something”. In addition, The Step Up! Program provides guidance on bystander intervention.  Additional bystander information can be found on page 9 of this report from a White House task force.
  5. Empower your child with knowledge and the right to say NO.  For tips on how to do this, visit RAINN

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a crime and would like to discuss your legal options with one of our award-winning lawyers, please give us a call at 615-742-4880 (Nashville) or 615-867-9900 (Murfreesboro) or 866-812-8787 (toll-free) for a free, confidential consultation.  And for more information about crime victim compensation, we handle all crime victim cases on a contingency basis so you only get paid if we recover money for you.

 

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