Showing posts with label Magen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Magen. Show all posts
Apr 22, 2015
PSA: Awareness and Education on Child Sexual Abuse
Magen (Israel) + Jewish Community Watch (USA) will be joining up next week for two public evenings of awareness and education about child sexual abuse.
Sunday - Ahavat Zion, Beit Shemesh
Monday - Yeshurun, Jerusalem.
Sunday - Ahavat Zion, Beit Shemesh
Monday - Yeshurun, Jerusalem.
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Jan 8, 2015
Magen: Project 4 (video)
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Dec 23, 2014
PSA: INTERPOL & Israel Police 'Crimes Against Children' Chief Speaking in Beit Shemesh
Superintendent Uri Sadeh, Head of Crimes against Children Investigations at the Cyber Crime Division, Israel National Police and formerly Coordinator of INTERPOL’s Crimes Against Children Unit in Lyon, France will speak on Motsei Shabbat 27th December in Beit Shemesh about “The Globalization of Pedophilia”.
SP Sadeh will present dramatic examples of how INTERPOL has successfully tracked down international child predators.
The Magen fundraiser event is hosted in the home of Orit & Jan Wimpfheimer in Beit Shemesh, and will also feature David Morris, CEO of Magen, who will present for the first time in public Magen's “Project Four” Abuse Perpetrator Investigations & Liaison Unit.
Soups & dessert will be served, generously sponsored by BeSimcha Catering.
Due to space limitations, preregistration is required. Donations for Magen will be solicited at the event. The organizers note that this event is not suitable for children.
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Sep 15, 2014
PSA : you want me to say what to my teens?
MAGEN PRESENTS
YOU WANT ME TO SAY WHAT TO MY TEENS?!
A candid discussion for parents by
Dr. Yocheved Debow, noted author and lecturer
A Torah based perspective on discussing “difficult” topics with your TEENS, including:
-Fostering healthy body image and preventing eating disorders
-How to explain the facts of human reproduction
-Countering western perceptions in the media and social networking
-Understanding the Jewish approach to relationships between genders
- A fresh approach to Tzniut
MEN & WOMEN WELCOME
Tuesday, September 16, 2014 8:15 PM
Kehillat Ahava V’Simcha (Carlebach) 70 Nachal Dolev, Ramat Bet Shemesh
Donation: 20 NIS
MEN & WOMEN WELCOME
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"Magen" - Creating a Safer Community for Kids
Tel: 02-9999.678
Cell: 050-8489001
Aug 4, 2014
hotline for war-related counseling (video)
This Beit Shemesh initiative is helping English speakers from around the country who are stressed, overwhelmed or simply seeking information relating to the war.
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Jul 17, 2014
PSA: Magen Statement: Public concerns about Yosef Ederi
Since the recent publication* of information regarding a convicted child sex offender, (Gad) Yosef Ederi, there has been considerable concern in the Beit Shemesh community about the safety of our children.
Magen confirms that Ederi was indeed convicted and served prison time, both in Israel and lately in the USA, for crimes against children. He was assessed by the US authorities as Sex Offender Risk Level 2 (of three levels) - ie moderate risk of repeat offense.
Ederi was deported from the USA by the immigration authorities on 7th July 2014, into the hands of the Israeli authorities.
When he lived in Israel, Ederi was a resident of Beit Shemesh.
In the event that Ederi returns to Beit Shemesh, the Beit Shemesh police would be informed by the prison services, and appropriate measures taken to protect the public.
There is therefore currently no cause for public concern in Beit Shemesh
Magen will update the community further as appropriate.
As always, Magen urges all adults to remain vigilant over our children, particularly during these summer months, and with the added concerns of recent kidnappings, rockets, etc...while avoiding undue stress or panic.
Take care,
MAGEN
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Jul 7, 2014
PSA: Rabbi Yanki Horowitz Speaking Tonight in Ramat Beit Shemesh! Torah's Mandate That We Stand With Abuse Victims
MAGEN PRESENTS
Torah's Mandate That We Stand With
Abuse Victims
by
RABBI YAKOV HOROWITZ
A lecture on child safety and prevention of abuse for Parents
Khal Ahava V’Simcha
Monday, July 7, 2014
70 Nachal Dolev
Men & Women Welcome
(Carlebach)
8:15 PM
"Let's Stay Safe", by Rabbi Horowitz, will be available for purchase in
English and Yiddish.--
Torah's Mandate That We Stand With
Abuse Victims
by
RABBI YAKOV HOROWITZ
A lecture on child safety and prevention of abuse for Parents
Khal Ahava V’Simcha
Monday, July 7, 2014
70 Nachal Dolev
Men & Women Welcome
(Carlebach)
8:15 PM
"Let's Stay Safe", by Rabbi Horowitz, will be available for purchase in
English and Yiddish.--
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Jun 2, 2014
PSA: Magen presents: You want me to say what?
We live in a world where our Torah values are constantly being challenged by the Western culture surrounding us- yes even here in eretz yisrael hakdosha. Our children, whether we like it or not are being educated through various media they read and see, as well as from peers and we, as parents, are given the task of setting the record straight often after a lot of misinformation has already been transmitted. Educating our children about sexuality is often something we as Orthodox Jewish parents shy away from. However, our children live in the real world and eventually find out about sexuality from non Torah based sources. They may come to the conclusion that Judaism has nothing to say about the subject. If parents feel equipped to have conversations about intimacy and sexuality, our children will grow up with healthy Jewish attitudes toward sexuality and be better prepared to view critically, the non-Jewish ones they will encounter.
Dr. Yocheved Debow is a doctor of Psychology with a focus on researching sexuality and intimacy education in the Modern Orthodox community. She received both the President’s Award and a Schupf Fellowship for her new book, Talking to Your Children about Intimacy and Sexuality, specifically targeted towards Orthodox Jewish parents. Her discussion on June 10th will provide parents with the tools and wording which will help them overcome some of the obstacles in educating their children in these areas. The ramifications of these discussions goes beyond answering their questions about where babies come from. It also governs their attitudes towards their changing bodies during puberty, as well as forming the cornerstone of their outlook toward tzniut.
In the words of Dr. Debow “My approach to educating children about intimacy and sexuality encourages traditional values in the face of the prevailing cultural values. I advocate teaching our children to view sexuality from a perspective of kedushah – sanctity and deep mutual respect. It is our responsibility as parents to actively transmit traditional values about sexuality, intimacy, and relationships, which are the cornerstone of Jewish family life and continuity.”
Magen has graciously arranged to have Yocheved come to our own community as a way of fostering healthy attitudes toward sexuality. This may be a critical way to prevent pathology in this realm which may even end up in cases of sexual abuse in our community. The talk is very direct and practical with applications all Jewish parents.
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Jan 21, 2014
new RBS abuse situation goes straight to the police
It seems there is great improvement in the child abuse - sexual molestation scene. Perhaps all the lectures, the videos, the guest speakers, are actually raising awareness and helping people identify the signs, and know what to do when confronted with a tragic situation.
There is a situation in RBS right now in which a teen has been arrested for molesting kids and has admitted to the crime. The area of the neighborhood that is most relevant to this case is the Nahal Kishon area.
If you suspect anything, if you need help identifying signs or not sure what to do, or how to move forward, contact Magen (02-999-9678) for assistance. You can also contact the police directly if you have information.
So, what's the improvement?
The improvement is that people actually went to the police to deal with the situation when they became aware of it. Perhaps because it was not a teacher in a school, but at least it is baby steps...
Be safe
There is a situation in RBS right now in which a teen has been arrested for molesting kids and has admitted to the crime. The area of the neighborhood that is most relevant to this case is the Nahal Kishon area.
If you suspect anything, if you need help identifying signs or not sure what to do, or how to move forward, contact Magen (02-999-9678) for assistance. You can also contact the police directly if you have information.
So, what's the improvement?
The improvement is that people actually went to the police to deal with the situation when they became aware of it. Perhaps because it was not a teacher in a school, but at least it is baby steps...
Be safe
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Jan 18, 2014
PSA: who are the people in our neighborhood?
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Aug 28, 2013
PSA: How You Can Make This A Safe New Year
In studies, only one in ten cases of child abuse are ever reported.
Reporting of child abuse in Beit Shemesh is just half the national average. In other words, for every case which is reported, a further 19 remain hidden.
The victims remain at risk, unprotected and untreated, and the perpetrators continue to operate without consequence..
The problem of child abuse in our community is now being effectively & responsibly addressed by "Magen", the Beit Shemesh Child Protection Organization.
Over 70% of these calls are from Anglos - from every sector of the community. Hareidi, Dati-Leumi and Secular.
Magen's free services have had a remarkable impact on the awareness of child abuse/protection in our community,and the ability for those effected to step forward discretely, and for victims/survivors to receive the help they need.
Many child abuse perpetrators can no longer operate without consequence; today they face better protected children, and arrest & justice for their actions.
B"H, our community is safer for our children this Rosh Hashana, than it was last Rosh Hashana.
Magen is a non-profit organization, which relies 100% on private donors to operate our programs;
Magen can only continue its work, and keep up with the increasing demand, with your financial support.
Therefore, along with other worthy local charities you generously donate to at this time of year, this year, please also make out a check to "Magen".
Our address: "Magen" Child Protection Center, 50B Rehov HaRakefet, Beit Shemesh, 99504.
Please feel free to call us with any questions: 02-9999.678.
Magen wishes our whole community ketiva vechatima tova - and for all our children, a safe new year.
Shanah Tovah
David
David Morris
CEO, Magen
P.S. You are welcome to send this post on to your friends or family who may have an interest in child protection.
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"Magen" - Creating a Safer Community for KidsDavidM@magenprotects.org
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Apr 24, 2013
PSA: Magen: Warning for Parents & Kids on Lag BaOmer
The reason for this is OPPORTUNITY.
With thousands of children out-and-about, generally with minimal or zero adult supervision, often sleeping in the open, or wandering around till the morning hours – there is plenty of opportunity for perpetrators to attack children.
Here in Beit Shemesh/RBS Magen has received numerous reports regarding suspected perpetrators - highlighting the need for increased awareness and vigilance in the community.
PLEASE sit down with your kids before Lag Ba’Omer to calmly warn them about the nature of the risks and to give them practical tools and ground-rules.
Some examples:
1. On Lag BaOmer do not walk or hang-around by yourself. Stay at all times with one or more friends.
2. If someone who is not a part of your family or group, who is older (eg. more than 2 years your senior), even if they look frum, invites you to go with them, even to do a big mitzvah (eg. to help them with something, or to find an object or location), or with the offer of a present, firmly reject the offer and tell the person they should find an adult to help them.
3. No touching or revealing areas of your or other people’s bodies which are normally covered. Just say No and get away.
4. Tell your parents. Especially if anyone tells you NOT to tell something to your parents, you must tell your parents straight away.Your parents will not be angry with you.
5. Fix a to-be-home-by time. There is no positive purpose in children being out all night. Perhaps tell your kids “You can blame your parents” if they are uncomfortable leaving their group at the designated time.
It can be very helpful to roll-play, presenting your kids with various scenarios.
If you have questions, concerns or reports - please call Magen Hotline: 02-9999.678; cell: 050 8489001.
Wishing all our kids a fun and safe Lag BaOmer!
Magen
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Feb 14, 2013
RBS man arrested for molestation and sodomy of local youth
According to Ynet, a man from Bet Shemesh was recently arrested for molestation and sodomy of local youth. His remand was extended for 5 days. According to the report, the perp has admitted to the actions, but claims they were consensual. Personally, I have no idea what consensual means when it involves underage children (which it does).
Magen was involved in the case, and it involves a man from the anglo saxon community in RBS. Magen advises parents to open a discussion with their kids about the matter and personal safety in the future. Those needing advice how to best do this should call Magen (9999.678 and 050 8489001).
The police/courts have not yet released the name for publication, so I cannot publish it at this point. If you happen to know that information, do not post it in the comments - I will have to delete it.
To remind you, Rabbi Yaakov Horowitz made an instructional video a while back to guide parents through such a discussion. It might be appropriate to watch now, if you have not yet:
Magen was involved in the case, and it involves a man from the anglo saxon community in RBS. Magen advises parents to open a discussion with their kids about the matter and personal safety in the future. Those needing advice how to best do this should call Magen (9999.678 and 050 8489001).
The police/courts have not yet released the name for publication, so I cannot publish it at this point. If you happen to know that information, do not post it in the comments - I will have to delete it.
To remind you, Rabbi Yaakov Horowitz made an instructional video a while back to guide parents through such a discussion. It might be appropriate to watch now, if you have not yet:
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Feb 4, 2013
PSA: The "PLONI/T" Child Protection Center
Here is an opportunity to name The Bet Shemesh Child Protection Center after your beloved family member or other honoree.
Magen's Child Protection Center has already made our city much safer for all our children.
When Magen started, in 2010, Beit Shemesh had the lowest child abuse reporting statistics for any city in Israel.
This indicated that most child abuse cases were not being reported, that victims lacked protection and treatment, and that perpetrators were freely operating without consequence.
In just two years, Magen has received reports of over one hundred (100) alleged child abusers and over two hundred (200) victims.
Magen coordinates closely with the community leadership, the social services and the police.
In 2011, after Magen's first year, child abuse reports to the authorities in Beit Shemesh increased by a remarkable 40%.
B"H, we are turning the corner on child abuse in our community.
In order to continue this critical work, Magen needs your support.
Our office rental contract is up for renewal next month (March) - and unfortunately Magen does not have the funding for the full year.
In honour of the first party who is willing to fund the rent for this coming year ($16,000), Magen will name these offices after a person of the donor's choosing.
In their zchut all of our children will be better protected from abuse.
If you would like further details, please call 02-9999.678; 050 8489001, or davidm@magenprotects.org
Tizku Lemitzvos
David Morris - CEO
Hillel Abrahams - Chairman
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Jan 13, 2013
PSA: TONIGHT - Breaking Boundaries with Dr David Pelcovitz
TONIGHT - Breaking Boundaries with Dr David Pelcovitz
When does Affection become Inappropriate Touch/Sexual Abuse?
What should we do if we believe someone is Breaking Boundaries?
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Come hear Dr David Pelcovitz, keynote speaker, in RBS this Sunday 13th January!
Magen's third Annual Child-Protection Awareness Evening will focus on "Breaking Boundaries".
The program will include a unique & dramatic presentation (by Offer Goren), and an opportunity to ask questions to Dr Pelcovitz and a panel including Rav Chaim Soloveichik shlita, and a Police Criminal Investigations Officer.
When: 8pm, Sunday 13th January
Where: Beis Tefilla Hall, 34 Nahal Refaim, RBS A.
This important event is a Must Hear for all Parents, Educators and Mental Health Professionals.
Admission: 30 NIS.
Light refreshments will be served.
Dr Pelcovitz is a world-renowned Speaker, Psychologist and Author. Dr Pelcovitz recently published "Breaking the Silence" - Child Abuse in the Jewish Community.
"Magen" is the Beit Shemesh Child Protection Organization.
For further details: 02-9999.678
After office hours: 050 8489001
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Jan 8, 2013
PSA: "Breaking Boundaries", Dr David Pelcovitz in RBS
PSA - "Breaking Boundaries", Dr David Pelcovitz in RBS, Sunday 13th January
When does Discipline become Physical/Emotional Abuse?
When does Affection become Inappropriate Touch/Sexual Abuse?
What should we do if we believe someone has Broken Boundaries?
Magen's third Annual Child-Protection Awareness Evening will focus on "Breaking Boundaries".
The evening will include a dramatic presentation and an opportunity to ask questions to Dr Pelcovitz and a panel of experts.
When: 8pm, Sunday 13th January
Where: Beis Tefilla Hall, 34 Nahal Refaim, RBS A.
This important event is a Must Hear for all Parents, Educators and
Mental Health Professionals.
Admission: 30 NIS.
Light refreshments will be served.
Dr Pelcovitz is a world-renowned Speaker, Psychologist and Author. Dr Pelcovitz recently published "Breaking the Silence" - Child Abuse in the Jewish Community.
"Magen" is the Beit Shemesh Child Protection Organization.
For further details: 02-9999.678
After office hours: 050 8489001
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Nov 25, 2012
PSA: "Standing Silent" viewing in RBS
UPDATE: This screening is taking place THIS Tuesday night!!
The dramatic and compelling movie follows the events which resulted from a series of allegations of child abuse received by Phil Jacobs, a journalist at the Baltimore Jewish Times. The prize winning movie is directed by Scott Rosenfelt, director of the children's blockbuster "Home Alone"
The dramatic and compelling movie follows the events which resulted from a series of allegations of child abuse received by Phil Jacobs, a journalist at the Baltimore Jewish Times. The prize winning movie is directed by Scott Rosenfelt, director of the children's blockbuster "Home Alone"
This Magen event is to raise awareness of child protection and abuse risks in the Bet Shemesh/RBS communities.
Following the movie, a panel of experts will address questions from the audience and discuss the many disturbing and important issues raised by the movie.
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Jul 31, 2012
Protecting Our Kids This Summer
A Guest Post by Magen
Protecting Our Kids This Summer
The summer break from school and yeshiva is a marvelous
opportunity for our kids to de-stress, explore the broader world around them,
and bond with their families and friends.
Of course, the very different framework from their
school-time routine, involves certain risks, and our job as parents is to
balance the important “escape” experience, with safety.
This presents all parents with a great moment to sit down
with our kids and discuss safety. Right now, before we get distracted!
This needs to be done at a level that generates concern (so
they will act upon the advice you give them) without creating panic (which
could freeze them, or just lead them to hit the “skip this!” button).
We suggest that you broach the subject by talking (say)
about the risks of the hot climate – dehydration, sunburn, etc, and the
importance of wearing hats and drinking lots of water.
The risks involved in swimming – and reinforce the
importance of swimming where there is a lifeguard.
During this safety discussion, pepper it with “what might
you do if…” scenarios, and work through the possibilities and outcomes. “…what
might you do if you go camping with friends by the Kinneret, and your friends
swim there, although there’s no lifeguard? Come on in! they shout…”
Along with physical safety, discuss with them, in the same
tone, about sexual safety.
This will need to be varied by age and ‘worldliness’ of your
children.
Some of the MUST explain items are:
1. Good touch, bad touch & confusing I-Don’t-Know Touch.
That our kids’ bodies are theirs and they must say No when they feel
uncomfortable, and move away. It is Not impolite – it is the right thing to do.
2. Good and Bad Secrets. Good secrets can be that there’s a
birthday surprise being prepared for Ima. Bad secrets are generally not
time-bound, involve a gift/incentive, or threat, and are about being scared.
Most important, if someone says “don’t tell you parents!” this is a red light,
and our kids must immediately tell their parents, or another trusted adult.
3. Most kids don’t tell if they have been abused, because
they think they won’t be believed, or you will be angry with them. It is
important to constantly re-enforce that you will always love your kids and you
encourage your kids to tell you what’s going on in their lives, even if it’s
not stuff you’re likely to want to hear. For example, “I cheated in my math
test” should be greeted with “thank you for telling me”, before exploring why
your child cheated and how to avoid this dishonest behaviour in the future.
This gives your child the message that he/she can tell you other things that
are on their minds.
It is important to teach your children about Stranger
Danger, including “always tell me if someone gives you a present; I simply need
to know about it”.
Many kids are lured into secluded places by abusers with
"please will you help me…?". Therefore, educate your kids that “kids
don’t do favours/mitzvos for adults – ADULTS do favours/mitzvos for adults”. Help
your kids to practice saying “No, I'm sorry I can't help you; please ask an
adult to help you”.
Even more important, is telling them that most kids who are
hurt by an adult, are hurt by an adult they know and trust. This is difficult
for kids to internalize. For that matter, it’s very difficult for adults to internalize
this also. Uncles, baby-sitter, teachers, camp councilors, frum people…have the
same rules as the rest of society. And if they seem to be going over regular
behaviour boundaries – this is unacceptable, and they must be stopped (however
uncomfortable or ‘impolite’ this is).
.
And always, always listen to your kids. It’s easy to ignore
what they’re trying to tell us.
Tune in to their wavelength – AND HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!!
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Magen – Creating a Safe Community for Kids
02-9999.678
050 8489001
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May 9, 2012
PSA: Warning for Parents & Kids on Lag BaOmer
PSA: Warning for Parents & Kids on Lag BaOmer
According to the Child Protection Center in Jerusalem, Lag BaOmer has become an annual nightmare – it is the worst night of the year for child abuse.
The reason for this is OPPORTUNITY.
With thousands of children out-and-about, generally with minimal or zero adult supervision, often sleeping in the open, or wandering around till the morning hours – there is plenty of opportunity for perpetrators to attack children.
Here in Beit Shemesh/RBS Magen has received a spate of reports in the past days which highlight the need for increased awareness and vigilance in the community.
A girl was sexually attacked in the Nofei Aviv area.
Another young girl was stalked, and then molested on a Bet Shemesh bus.
Near Misses?
A 9 yo girl was offered a ride by an unknown man in his car to “come to a great restaurant”.
A group of boys were approached by a man in a car, offering them “free klafim”.
Two boys were approached in RBS at night by an Arab worker inviting them to come with him to a building site to “collect wood”.
B”H, in all three cases, the children knew to firmly reject the apparently generous offers, and they immediately told their parents.
PLEASE sit down with your kids before Lag Ba’Omer to calmly warn them about the nature of the risks and to give them practical tools and ground-rules.
Some examples:
1. On Lag BaOmer do not walk or hang-around by yourself. Stay at all times with one or more friends.
2. If someone who is not a part of your family or group, who is older (eg. more than 2 years your senior), even if they look frum, invites you to go with them, even to do a big mitzvah (eg. to help them with something, or to find an object or location), or with the offer of a present, firmly reject the offer and tell the person they should find an adult to help them.
3. No touching or revealing areas of your or other people’s bodies which are normally covered. Just say No and get away.
4. Tell your parents. Especially if anyone tells you NOT to tell something to your parents, you must tell your parents straight away.Your parents will not be angry with you.
5. Fix a to-be-home-by time. There is no positive purpose in young children being out all night. Perhaps tell your kids “You can blame your parents” if they are uncomfortable leaving their group at the designated time.
It can be very helpful to roll-play, presenting your kids with various scenarios.
More information about child safety on Lag Ba’Omer: http://magenprotects.blogspot.
Wishing all our kids a fun and safe Lag BaOmer!
Magen
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Apr 2, 2012
PSA: Clarification Of Molesters Post
Magen asked me to post the following, so her eit is below. It pains me to post this information, but it is important and people need to be aware, at least to a certain extent, what is happening.
The ramification of the number forty along with the knowledge that only one in ten is known to the public indicates that there are 360 potential molesters walking around the neighborhood, which seems awfully high.
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There was a warning posting on a community email list last week, regarding a spate of child molestation reports in RBS.
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The ramification of the number forty along with the knowledge that only one in ten is known to the public indicates that there are 360 potential molesters walking around the neighborhood, which seems awfully high.
---
There was a warning posting on a community email list last week, regarding a spate of child molestation reports in RBS.
The intent of the writer is to warn the public and promote policies which increase awareness and safety - which is indeed valid and should be strongly encouraged.
The email mentioned that: "Being in contact with Magen, I was told that there are over FORTY known child molesters in RBS and they are walking the streets freely."
That particular sentence is somewhat innaccurate, and so Magen wishes to clarify.
Magen is aware of nearly forty men in RBS against whom allegations have been made of crimes against children. This is not to say these men have all been formally charged, convicted or sentenced. Indeed, most are indeed "walking the streets freely" - many due to the unwillingness of victims/families to formally complain to the authorities, or due to lack of evidence which would meet the standards of the criminal legal system. Around fifteen cases resulted in arrests, and most of these suspects are now within the system of the police/courts.
Due to many legal, halachik and practical issues, Magen is currently unable and unwilling to publish a list of names of people suspected of child abuse.
Furthermore, Magen believes this list would be misleading as it represents just a small proportion of the total problem. In part this is because only around one in ten child abuse victims reports to an adult who can take appropriate action. So for every case we are aware of, there are statistically another nine.
As the writer of the warning email points out, the main practical step we can all take is to better educate ourselves and (without panic) our children about child protection, and practical steps to increase safety and to reduce the risks; unfortunately these risks exist in our shuls, schools, streets, parks and even within our own homes.
For further information about the nature and extent of these risks in RBS, we refer interested readers to a recent article: http://magenprotects.
and an article in the Jewish Press: http://www.jewishpress.
If you would like to host an information evening/event about child protection, such as for your shul, or simply for a group of friends, please contact Magen. (Please note our new phone number).
Wishing you and all of our children a chag kasher, sameach, ve'batuach!
Take care,
Magen
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