http://www.greeleytribune.com/article/20100525/NEWS/100529794/1002&parentprofile=1001May 25, 2010
NATIONAL MISSING CHILDREN'S DAY
Today is National Missing Children's Day.
Every year in America an estimated 800,000 children are reported missing, more than 2,000 children each day. Of that number, 200,000 are abducted by family members, and 58,000 are abducted by non-family members. The primary motive for nonfamily abductions is sexual. Each year 115 children are the victims of the most serious abductions, taken by non-family members and either murdered, held for ransom or taken with the intent to keep.
The organization wants parents to know there are things they can do to keep their children safe.
NCMEC has produced safety tips as a part of its Take 25 national child safety campaign.
“We know teaching children about safety works,” said Ernie Allen, president and CEO of NCMEC. “It is important that parents take the time to talk to their children about safety.”
An analysis of attempted abduction cases by NCMEC found that in
84 percent of the cases, children escaped would-be abductors through their own actions, by yelling, kicking, pulling away, running away or attracting attention.
On May 25 , 1979, 6-year-old Etan Patz disappeared from a New York street corner on his way to school. Etan's story captivated the nation. His photo, taken by his father, a professional photographer, was circulated nationwide and appeared in media across the country and around the world. The search for Etan continues. He is still missing.
May 25 has been observed as National Missing Children's Day since 1983, when it was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan.
To learn more about NCMEC, call its toll-free,
24-hour hot line at (800)THE-LOST or go to
www.missingkids.com.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
