Who Abuses Children?

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While the average child molester does not belong to a pedophile organization, we would be foolish not to take seriously any group whose members are committed to (word omitted) activity with children. Indeed, pedophiles are often difficult to detect and can be found in the most unlikely of places. Knowing this, we must provide our children with the tools to recognize and avoid potentially abusive individuals and situations.

I debated whether or not to add the following text. I thought about it at length as I sat and remembered our nightmare twenty years ago Twenty years is a long time…. But memories are indelible It would sound better if I could say that I never felt uneasy or troubled about my daughter's predator. While I would love to be able to say that I cannot do so. In hindsight, both then and now, I remember berating myself for having such thoughts of suspicion about my pastor. I remember trying to repent over how I thought I saw him look at her. I remember almost hating myself for my mother's intuition that I had accepted as Satan's lies.

My plea to you as parents is to listen to God's still small voice and trust the Holy Spirit's nudging as he directs you and leads you into all truth…in every situation in your life. Trust that 'gut instinct" …those "vibes" that ring in your heart. Trust those things-- letting them cause you to stop, take notice, watch, question and pray, and pray, and pray for wisdom of who to tell. -Sharon Merhalski

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

What To Watch Out For When Adults Are With Children

Quoted from Child Lures Prevention

Have you ever seen someone playing with a child and felt uncomfortable with it? Maybe you thought, "I'm just over-reacting," or, "He/she doesn't really mean that." Don't ignore the behavior; learn how to ask more questions about what you have seen. The checklist below offers some warning signs.

Do you know an adult or older child who:

• Refuses to let a child set any of his or her own limits?
• Insists on hugging, touching, kissing, tickling, wrestling with or holding a child even when the child does not want this affection?
• Is overly interested in the sexuality of a particular child or teen (e.g., talks repeatedly about the child's developing body or interferes with normal teen dating)?
• Manages to get time alone or insists on time alone with a child with no interruptions?
• Spends most of his/her spare time with children and has little interest in spending time with someone their own age?
• Regularly offers to baby sit many different children for free or takes children on overnight outings alone?
• Buys children expensive gifts or gives them money for no apparent reason?
• Frequently walks in on children/teens in the bathroom?
• Allows children or teens to consistently get away with inappropriate behaviors?

If you answered "yes" to some of these questions, talk to that person. If you are uncomfortable, but don't see these signs, be sure to trust your instincts and ask questions. -Stop It Now.

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