Teresa Lhotka: Safeguarding Children from Abduction and Trafficking
The number one reason why talking to your kids about strangers will not keep them safe is because the largest number of cases of people who harm children, who take children- excuse me- or who harm children is, you know, people that the children know, like, yeah, yep, family, close family, friends, people who are in the child's life as authority figures, people who are in the community, people who are in the neighborhood.
How can we better protect our children from the horrors of abduction and trafficking? In this insightful episode of 'Stop Child Abuse Now', Teresa Lhotka, the Executive Director of Missing Children Minnesota, shares her extensive experience and practical advice. Since joining the organization in 2010, Teresa has dedicated her life to locating missing children and providing crucial support to their families.
As a Certified Victim Advocate and member of the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA), she brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Teresa discusses the importance of educating children about safety and the often-overlooked fact that most abductions are carried out by people the child knows. She emphasizes the need for parents and guardians to recognize warning signs of abuse and the critical role trusted adults play in a child's life.
With over 3500 families helped since 1983, Missing Children Minnesota offers a range of programs aimed at preventing abductions and ensuring children's safety. Teresa also sheds light on the impact of trauma on survivors and underscores the importance of community advocacy and volunteerism. Her practical strategies and resources offer hope and support to families dealing with these challenging issues. Tune in to learn how you can contribute to creating a safer environment for children.