Every year, more than 3 million children witness acts of domestic violence in their homes. The majority of these attacks are never reported, but the repercussions of this violence are far reaching.

Being raised in a violent home greatly increases the likelihood of a child growing up and continuing the cycle of violence and victimization. Boys who witness abuse are more likely to become abusers of both spouses and their children, and girls have an increased likelihood of becoming victims themselves.

Domestic violence can include any type of physical, emotional or sexual abuse. Generally, an abuser will engage in behavior that is used to exert power and establish control over another person, usually through intimidation, threats or other violent actions. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, there is help. Continue reading Taking A Stand Against Domestic Violence »

 

Police in Portland, Ore. have been investigating the disappearance of Kyron Horman, who on June 4, 2010 was reported missing by his parents. The last reported sighting for the boy was that morning, in the halls of his elementary school. With few clues to help lead investigators to the boy’s whereabouts, this scenario is a worst nightmare terrifying parents everywhere.

While there remain many unanswered questions in young Kyron’s case, parents should take some time to think about what they might do if they found themselves in a similar situation and their child has gone missing. Our kids are our most precious resource, and in any missing child case, know that you are not completely helpless. Being prepared for the worst and never needing to use your knowledge is a much preferable situation to be in than finding yourself in an emergency with no clue what to do.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has prepared a quick-reference guide for you and your family to help you be better equipped to act quickly and decisively in the event of an emergency.

• If your child has gone missing or has been abducted, contact your local law enforcement agency immediately.
• Provide law enforcement with times, dates, and locations for where your child was last seen, and with whom they might have been seen. Gather descriptive information about your kid, including recent photographs, videos, descriptions of clothing, identifiers such as eye and hair color, glasses, scars or braces, and be prepared to offer this information to investigators
• Ask the officer if an AMBER Alert is appropriate for this situation.
• Secure your child’s room and belongings until law enforcement can do a search. Identify computers, cellphones, or other online devices your child uses that could provide clues to law enforcement for any revealing communications your child had engaged in before disappearing.
• Provide law enforcement with information about any suspicious or unusual behavior your kids may have been exhibiting, or unusual attention paid them before their disappearance.

Additionally, beyond working with law enforcement:

• Prepare posters of your child with recent images and post them within your community.
• Make noise! Get the word out about your case and work toward getting local and national media attention–i.e., television, radio, newspapers and the Web outlets. If video of your child is available, provide that to the media. You can also upload it here to the NCMEC online video channel.
• If you have DNA samples, provide them to authorities investigating the case. If not, you can collect samples from your missing child’s possessions, your child’s hairbrush, or maybe a saved baby tooth.

No one wants to imagine the horror of their child gone missing. But by being prepared to act quickly in such an emergency you can take some proactive steps toward ending the nightmare. We’ve got some more information right here at the AMW Safety Center to help you and your family prepare. Talk to your kids today about what threats exist out there, both on the streets and online. Make sure your kids are equipped with the street smarts to help them understand how to recognize a dangerous situation and how to get out quickly. Prevention is your best weapon.

Every two minutes, someone is sexually assaulted. Rape is one of the most violent crimes and could affect every family in America. If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted, its important to know you are not alone. There are millions of people who have experienced a similar trauma.

The Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) is the country’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. Their telephone and online hotlines are available 24 hours a day to offer you help. Many victims who call the hotline start off blaming themselves, but RAINN reminds us that if you are sexually assaulted, it is not your fault, and it is never too late to get help. Continue reading Sexual Assault: Volunteer to Help Victims »

For over two decades now America’s Most Wanted has been committed to finding justice for victims. And as the show reaches the milestone of 1000 episodes, that commitment remains unwavering.

Throughout the years, AMW has showcased some terrifying crimes. And even though its impossible to predict when trouble will strike, it always helps to be prepared. The AMW Safety Center builds upon the America’s Most Wanted mission to help ensure that you and your family can be more prepared for emergency or dangerous situations. Whether it’s helping to empower victims of sexual assault or other crimes, tackling gang violence in your community, or even recognizing and responding quickly to someone who’s injured or suffering a health emergency, the AMW Safety Center is a one-stop-shop with the resources and expert advice you and your family need to stay street smart. Continue reading The Resources You and Your Family Need To Be Prepared »