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Be aware Mitcham is trending and mentions sexual assault. This morning women bravely followed a man who abducted a young girl and were able to get her away from him. Always check if you aren’t sure about a situation or if you believe an adult or child is at risk or vulnerable /1
If you care for children speak to them about personal safety, body autonomy, and their right to tell another adult or raise the alarm if they are afraid (in a no blame no shame way). NSPCC http://nspcc.org.uk/ and Childline https://www.childline.org.uk/ can help, as can schools. /2
Remember child abduction is unusual even though it is scary, but child exploitation, grooming and abuse (on and offline) is not. Having conversations with your child and keeping dialogue trusting, loving and open can be a huge help /3
If you are worried about your child or teen (or a friend/relative’s child) you can call the organisations above for advice. If you’re affected by past abuse as a child NAPAC is there for you https://napac.org.uk/ /4
Remember, scaring your children or teens about “stranger danger” may leave them vulnerable to abuse from those known to them, including those who “befriend” them online. Help your child/teen recognise healthy and unhealthy friendships, communication, touching, consent etc /5
Again the charities above have age-appropriate resources and recommendations that help explain safety, consent, privacy, asking for advice and talking about your fears or worries (including disclosing abuse or fears about exploitation). You can use these to talk to your kids /6
Talk also to children and teens about not exploiting or abusing others, noting consent. While many will be shocked about this abduction story they may ignore or even encourage inappropriate behaviour among teens, particularly sexualised comments and unwanted touching of girls /7
Children/teens who are neurodivergent, LGBTQ, Black, disabled, poor, excluded from school, or homeless (and any intersections of these) can be especially vulnerable while also left out of advice giving. If that applies to your child it’s fine to push for more guidance for them /8
