POM Alert System - Creates False Security
Posted: Sunday, November 23, 2008
by Dorothy M Neddermeyer
Genesis Consultants, Inc.
POM Pilot has recently introduced a new device, POM Alert System - A high speed emergency notification system with an optional Free Sex Offender locator system.
The promotional material for the Sex Offender locator system states, "Keeping your child safe and secure is a priority for all parents. We make it easy. We all want the Peace of Mind that comes from knowing we are well informed of our environment and who might be living amongst us nearby! You simply register with POM Offender Locator to receive an alert when a new registered sex offender moves into your neighborhood. Now that you are empowered, you can be rest assured that you are taking the appropriate measures to safeguard your family."
Case in point is Mary Kay Laterneau, a 30+ year-old teacher, who sexually molested her 12 year-old pupil. She was convicted and served seven years in prison. While she was on probation, and with a court order to have no contact with the, then, 19 year-old boy, she arranged a rendezvous with him, and became pregnant by him a second time. She was returned to prison to serve the original sentence. Upon completion of her sentence she subsequently married him, because he was an adult and could legally make that decision. However, the fact remains that his life was altered from the original molestation to the degree that he no longer knew who he could have been had he not been abused by a 30+ year-old woman.
Furthermore, statistics reveal that 80% of all children, who are sexually abused are abused by a family member. 19% of all children, who are sexually abused are abused by someone whom the child knows and trusts. Government statistics reveal 1% of children who are sexually abused are abused by a stranger-the unregistered or registered sex offender down the street.
Society needs to take a hard look at what sex offender registration really accomplishes and the hidden reality that it gives families a false sense of security. Many municipalities are debating whether to ban the sex offender law. The sex offender registration law is fool-hardy because if a sex offender is unable to control his/her compulsions he/she will find access to children no matter where they live.
Incarcerating sex offenders for life doesn't stop sexual child abuse either. As a society we are creating' new sex offenders every day. Sex offenders are men or women, who are sexual or physical abuse survivors and they are using sex with children as a way to cope, to numb or distract him/herself from the emotional pain. Frequently, the sex offender is seeking a similar experience to the pain they endured as a child. Unbeknownst to them, they are creating the moth to the flame scenario. In other words, the offender might believe she/he will never offend again, but when the compulsion to relieve the internal pain becomes too great they will offend. It is a compulsion that she/he can not stop. This compulsion solves the internal pain if only for a brief period albeit at the peril of going to jail. However, since the internal pain is beyond their ability to override its excruciating effect, they can not merely stop their compulsion.
The best way to protect children is through the power of education. It is paramount to teach your children how to protect themselves, whether it is online, on a playground, the mall or at home.
If I'd Only Known...Sexual Abuse In or Out of the Family: A Guide To Prevention" is a well-researched and documented strategy for sexual abuse prevention. The seven compelling parent approved and child tested techniques thwart the majority of would-be sex offenders. The book has been endorsed by the Interfaith Sexual Trauma Institute(ISTI).
Prevention strategies provide the most effective and immediate protection for children. In a consistently humanistic and compassionate manner these strategies teach parents what abuse is, what to do about it, and how children can protect themselves. This practical hands-on approach, based on clinical and parenting experience, provides parents with:
Seven key techniques to abuse-proof your child
Step-by-step instructions on what to do if you suspect or your child states or alludes to sexual abuse (11 steps),
Compelling reasons to avoid spanking your child,
How to choose a child care worker to come into your home,
How to choose a day care facility,
How to 'abuse proof' your child from perpetrators, who are coaches, teachers, clergy, child care workers or anyone who has contact with a child, including a parent or other family members,
Survival skills for independence.
The prevention strategies proposed in "If I'd Only Known...," never become outdated in their usage or effectiveness. Sexual abuse and incest of children has been a world crises since the beginning of time and there are no indications in any society it will become non-existent. However, I believe we can reduce the number of sexual abuse incidents and minimize the damage by using the prevention techniques I have researched and validated to be effective. Every parent or anyone who has child care responsibility could benefit by using these parent approved-child tested prevention strategies.
Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, recognized pioneer in sexual child abuse prevention and recovery, author, "If I'd Only Known...Sexual Abuse in or Out of the Family: A Guide to Prevention," is also noted for her pioneering work in verbal and physical prevention and recovery. http://www.gen-assist.com
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