Do you really know your neighbors? I know the neighbors on each side of me and a few others on my street. I don’t know who lives the next street over or who is in quick walking distance from my home. I was completely unaware that a few streets down from me lives a 2nd degree registered sexual predator who victimized a 9 year old. How did I find out? I received an email from Family Watchdog who informed me letting me know there was a potential move in/out in my area.

Family Watchdog is a free website that notifies you by email when a registered sexual predator moves within five miles of a given important address. You can list your home address, school, church, playground, day care, or any other address of great significance to you. Don’t believe that just because you may live in an upscale neighborhood that you are not of risk. Sexual predators are not confined to any socio-economic group and could be living in your immediate area.The statistics are overwhelmingly shocking. Recent studies show that 1 of 5 girls and 1 of 6 boys will have been molested before they turn 18. A sexual predator will assault 117 times before ever being caught and the rate of re-arrest of a convicted child molester is a staggering 52%. This to me is very frightening and I want to be informed. Awareness and knowing who these predators are and what exactly they have done helps protect my family. Family Watchdog not only gives the names of these individuals but also photos and complete profile descriptions. This to me is great importance since having detailed pictures will keep me even more alert.I do not want my children to become a victim of a predator, as I am sure you feel the same about your children and loved ones. This free service helps keep you informed and is good for grandparents, parents, friends, or any common citizen who wants to help protect their neighborhood.

Be empowered! Be aware!

*statistics quoted from the Family Watchdog website