"Rather than merely helping children learn to resist, true prevention would mean educating indivuduals so that they never abuse" (Whatley, Trudell, 1989, p. 180)

What is Megan's Law?

Find the official law in full text here: Megan's Law

• All convicted child molesters must register their location of residency online for the public’s viewing
• Used as a government tracking device
• source of information for parents interested in predators living in their area

Is this website effective?

No!

Why don't people know about the Megan's Law website?

At the time it was established, many parents heard about the resource through their schools and from the media. As time passed, the excitement died down, leaving a very resourceful website hidden from many who might benefit from it.

Studies done = not effective website!

Why do they do it?

Understanding the Predator:
Humans develop epigenetically, which means that "one stage builds upon the previous one"

(Bradshaw, 1998, p. 146)

• Issues going back to their youth to encourage these acts
  
• Have been abused
• were bullied in school
  

IMPORTANT!!!! Remember that they often don’t look as you “expect”

negative effects of teaching children about Megan's Law

Some parents are worried that their children are given too much exposure when taught about sexual predators at a young age

• they might not understand the situation completely
• children will be frightened of any adults
• lose trust with adults
  

Positive effects

Benefits of teaching children in school about Megan's Law

"There therefore needs to be more public education to raise awareness that most sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone known to the child." (K. Fitch, 2006)

• All children are aware of the way they should be treated
• Lower rates of teenage pregnancy, rape, suicide
• They are able to protect themselves
• prevent future abuse

It is said that abuse of a spouse will follow abuse of children, or vice versa.
Teaching children could change this assumption!

Recognizing a victim of abuse:

· Depression
· Self esteem
· Drug abuse
· Anxiety
· Fear
· Aggressiveness
· Withdrawal
· Suicide attempts
· Developmental impairment