safety

In the wake of the tragic death of 12-year-old Adriel Moxey found in bushes partially clothed with a cloth tied around her neck, questions have arisen regarding the circumstances surrounding her upbringing and home environment.

Police say they have a 32-year-old man in custody and are questioning him in connection to the assault and murder. She was found dead on Wednesday afternoon, in the community she lived, and attended school and church, after she failed to turn up after a 6 pm Junkanoo practice session.

She was reported missing the next day after her mother woke at 3 am and realized Adriel was not home.

Questions have arisen about how the situation could have been avoided and what the community could have done to offer more assistance to Adriel even though the home was unsafe.

Protecting children from sexual abuse is a critical concern that requires vigilance and a proactive approach from everyone in the community. Here are some ways you can help safeguard other children from harm.

These are measures you can take to ensure each child’s safety:

*Know where your children and teens are when school is dismissed and ensure they are safely tucked in bed or their rooms before you go to bed.

*Be alert to changes in a child’s behavior that may indicate abuse, such as sudden withdrawal, anxiety, unexplained anger, and not wanting to go home. Recognizing these signs early can lead to quicker intervention.

*Be aware of who lives in your area and any concerns that may have been raised. While not all offenders are known or registered, staying informed through local community meetings and resources can be beneficial.

*Build a strong community network where neighbors look out for each other’s children, reinforcing a collective effort to protect the youngest members.

*Implement a neighborhood watch program that includes monitoring for suspicious activities and individuals who may not belong or are behaving unusually around children and teens.

*Create safe places for children and teens to play and hang out, and ensure they are always supervised by trusted adults. Encourage group activities rather than allowing children to play or walk alone in isolated areas.

*Teach them about appropriate and inappropriate behavior from adults. Foster an environment where children feel comfortable talking about their experiences and feelings.

*If you suspect a child is being targeted or is sexually assaulted, report it to the authorities immediately. It’s better to be cautious and report than to overlook potential dangers.

*Teach children about personal safety in a way that’s age-appropriate. They should know who to turn to if they feel uncomfortable or threatened.

*Explain the concept of consent to children and the importance of setting personal boundaries. Let them know it’s okay to say “no” to unwanted touch or attention, even from people they know and trust.

Authorities are worried about the increase in sexual assaults in New Providence, particularly in the southwestern area of the capital.

Twenty-two cases have been reported for the year, so far, a slight increase at this point when compared to last year.

Recent cases involved women in their 30s who were inside their home in the Chippingham area when a man climbed through the window around 2 am and while armed with a gun, robbed and raped them.

Another incident involved a woman walking around 10 am in the Bacardi Road area, when a man pulled alongside her, forced her inside the vehicle and raped her in nearby bushes.

Though police have increased saturation patrols, there are some measures women can take to protect themselves.  These measures are not foolproof but they can reduce the risks.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

1. If at home, ensure windows and curtains are closed at night, and doors and gates are locked and secured before going to bed. In addition, secure a self-defence tool in your home like a baseball bat, taser or stun gun to use when necessary.
2. If walking, avoid isolated areas. It will be difficult to get help since no one is around.
3. Walk diligently. Act like you know where you’re going, even if you don’t.
4. Ensure you have your cell phone with you at all times to contact emergency personnel quickly.
5. Avoid early mornings and isolated areas, if out for a jog. Carry self-defence instruments like pepper sprays, batons and spy cameras; Do not put music headphones in both ears so that you have a complete awareness of what’s going on around you.
6. Only accept delivery items in a well-lit public space and/or accompanied by a friend.
7. If you believe you need to get away from a possible assault, drive hastily and cautiously, and persistently blow your horn; call a relative or police quickly and drive to the nearest police station.
8. Trust your instincts. If the location feels unsafe, it probably is not the best place to be.