Senator Flanagan And Parents For Megan’s Law Host A Sex Abuse Prevention Seminar In St. James

Senator John J. Flanagan (2nd Senate District) and Parents for Megan's Law recently hosted a sexual abuse prevention seminar in St. James to provide parents with the tools they need to protect children. The seminar, which was held at the St. James Elementary School, included tips for parents that will help them teach their children how to avoid sexual predators.

The "Apple of My Eye" program was presented to the parents by Kerry Walsh, an educator with Parents for Megan's Law and is based on the research of Executive Director Laura Ahearn. The two-hour meeting provided parents with important child protection information that will strengthen their ability to protect the children in their lives.

Tips presented included safety rules children should be taught, the red flags to look for to detect inappropriate behavior, the various traps sexual predators use to access children and the physical and behavioral signs of sexual abuse.

Parents For Megan's Law is a not-for-profit national community and victim's rights organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of childhood sexual abuse. The group provides education, advocacy, counseling, policy and legislative support services.

The organization has joined with Senator Flanagan in the past to fight to strengthen New York State laws to protect children from sexual abuse. This collaboration has led to improvements in the New York State Sex Offender registry and expanded rights for victims of sex crimes.

"To truly assist parents, we need to make sure that they have access to the most up-to-date and reliable information so they are as prepared as possible to protect their children. Thanks to the efforts of Parents for Megan's Law, the parents who attended this forum will be now be better equipped and that is a positive for all of us," stated Senator Flanagan.

"Strong laws and stricter penalties for sex offenders are extremely important but educating parents is critical to accomplishing our goal of protecting children. By joining with Parents for Megan's Law in presenting this important seminar, Senator Flanagan has again displayed his commitment to our community and I appreciate his dedication to protecting our most vulnerable," said Parents for Megan's Law Executive Director Laura Ahearn.

For those who were unable to join Senator Flanagan and Parents for Megan's Law, the information provided at the forum can be accessed by CLICKING HERE.