This is part of a series of frank answers to difficult questions regarding sexual abuse by Annette Schuster (includes mature content). For the introduction to the series click here.

2 short questions & answers this week…           

Question:  How do I report abuse?

Response: Guidelines for reporting abuse vary depending on the city, county, state, and even whether the suspected or reported offender resides in or outside your home. You can always call 911 and ask who the reporting agency is within your region.  If you call Childhelp USA at 1800-4-A-Child they will give you the correct number to call, or you can access links to your specific state’s reporting guidelines at www.sexualabuse.com.

Question: I finished listening to the presentation Annette Schuster gave from the Mars Hill Church website. You mentioned that there was Internet filtering software available to help protect your kids. Could you please tell me what software you recommend?

Response: Following are several reputable resources available that will help keep your child safe when using the Internet at home. I have marked sites that do not charge for their product. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has a Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety and phone numbers to call in the event someone is making inappropriate contact with your child via the Internet.  Their website is 

www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide//pguide.htm

Great website for cybernetics

www.usjob.gov/criminal/cybercrime/rules/kidinternet.htm

Internet Filtering Resources:

www.netnanny.com

www.cyberpatrol.com

www.cybersitter.com

www.freeshield.com (no fee)

www.kidswatch.com

www.CleanInternet.com (free)

www.safefamilies.com (great audio/video presentation)

For more information, or to contact Annette directly, you can visit her website or email her directly. The responses within are not intended to replace professional counseling that may be necessary in the situations presented, and do not constitute legal advice. All responses to questions are copywritten and no part of the responses may be reproduced, sorted in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission from Annette Schuster.