Sex Offender Help
Megan’s Law
On May 17, 1996, President Clinton signed the Federal “Megan’s Law,” which required the release of relevant information to protect the public from sexually violent offenders. New Hampshire’s Megan’s Law arms the public with certain information on the whereabouts of dangerous sex offenders so that local communities may protect themselves and their children.
The law is not intended to punish the offender and specifically prohibits using the information to harass or commit any crime against the offender. It recognizes that public safety is best served when registered sex offenders are not concealing their location.
The availability of this information is designed to enhance public safety and awareness. However, no law can guarantee the protection of our children. There is no substitute for common sense and safety precautions, such as teaching our children whom to trust and knowing where they are at all times. We are partners in making the law work. We have an obligation to act responsibly with the information we receive.
The New Hampshire Criminal Offender Registry can be viewed online at: http://www4.egov.nh.gov/nsor/.
Protecting Your Children
Child molesters have well-developed techniques for luring victims. They are able to seduce children with attention, affection and gifts; have hobbies and interests appealing to children; and may show sexually explicit videos or pictures to children. Generally, they are skilled at identifying vulnerable victims and are able to identify better with children than adults.
Help protect your child by establishing a home environment where your child feels safe to tell you anything, without fear of shame, ridicule or punishment. A safe and supportive home environment, combined with clear instructions about what behavior is acceptable and what is not, will guide your child’s actions and encourage your child to tell you if something improper happens.
Many parents warn their children not to talk to strangers. But more often than not, an abuser or abductor is known to the child. He or she can be a school bus driver, teacher, relative, neighbor, or family friend. Many times the molestation occurs in the home of the victim or the abuser.
Teach younger children key information such as their full name, address, phone number with area code, parents’ names and work phone numbers. Practice reciting this information often as children may forget over time. Also practice how to make an emergency call to you or 911 from a pay phone.
Know where your child is going. Children should always inform you before they go anywhere. This applies to older children as well since they are equally at risk to abduction by sexual predators. As you give your older children more freedom, reiterate safety rules with them. As a parent, ask questions: who, what, when, where, why, and take the time to follow-up on their responses.
Teach children about the Buddy System. Never let your children go anywhere alone. Remind them that there is safety in numbers and they should always use the buddy system. Stress the point that they should avoid situations that might isolate them from others or crowds.
Teach your children to avoid certain situations or actions. Children should know from an early age that some behavior is not acceptable, and that they have the right to tell an adult to leave them alone.
Here are some specific rules you can teach your child:
- Stay away from people who call you near their car, even if they offer to take you somewhere exciting.
- If someone tries to take you away, yell, “This person is not my father (or mother)!” and scream.
- If you get lost in a store, find another mom with children or go to the checkout counter. Don’t wander around on your own.
- You don’t have to keep secrets from your parents. No one can hurt your parents or pets if you tell what happened.
- No one should touch you in the parts covered by your bathing suit, and you should not be asked to touch anyone there.
- Don’t let anyone take your picture without permission from your parents or teacher.
Please feel free to call the Newton Police Department if you have any questions.