Child sexual abuse is one of the most poignant forms of abuse, and it’s a crime that affects the entire family. There are several symptoms that could raise a flag signaling abuse, and recognizing these signs could help you save a child.

If you notice unexplained illnesses and injuries, or if a child begins to withdraw, become fearful or lose self confidence, these are all signs that a child could be being abused.

Check out the National Center for Victims of Crime for more tips on identifying an abused child, and for a wealth of resources available to help victims deal with the pain.

Every 2 minutes, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted. But the majority of these attacks are never reported to the police. If you or someone you know are attacked, it can be a very difficult decision to come forward and report the crime.

Regardless of whether you come forward right away or if you decide to wait, one of the most important tools you have in the search for justice is to have a rape kit taken. When a nurse or doctor takes a rape kit, they collect fibers and DNA samples–hair, saliva, or other fluids–which is sent to a lab to run tests that might help to identify an attacker.

The DNA database contains information for over 6 million convicted criminals, and allows law enforcement to share information across state lines. DNA samples contain accurate information that help to identify a criminal and that could bring you much closer to getting justice.

Check some other posts on sexual assault right here at the AMW Safety Center for more information and resources.

With the summer months approaching and travelers looking to visit their vacation destinations, most are unaware of the dangers facing them.

One family learned the hard way as they encountered an unimaginable nightmare in St. Johns, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Cockayne family of New Hope, Pa. once called the islands home., but they say they decided to leave after a string of burglaries and an assault. The family no longer felt safe and returned to the states.

After staying away for several years, the family began vacationing in the USVI again, doing most tourists do during a relaxing, tropical vacation. Their son, Jamie — an energetic free spirit — discovered a passion for sailing. Continue reading Keep On Guard While Traveling Abroad »

Since 1984, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has helped law enforcement recover more than 130,000 missing children. In cases where a child has been missing for several years, NCMEC utilizes the latest in age-progression technology to help families and law enforcement in tracking down and identifying a missing kid. This week at the AMW Safety Center, we’re taking you to the Forensic Imaging Unit at NCMEC to give you an inside look at how these high-tech tools are used to aid authorities in reuniting families. Continue reading Forensic Imaging: Tools For Tracking Down Missing Kids »