Brady Spotlights Issue of Missing and Exploited Children

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Representative Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) recently spoke at an event, hosted by the Congressional Missing and Exploited Children=s Caucus - of which Brady is a member - to address the issue of missing and exploited children. Leeza Gibbons - Executive Producer and Host of the LEEZA show - was a featured guest and speaker.

The issues briefing was held to raise awareness for a national campaign to educate families, schools and communities on preventative measures which can help protect our children from abduction, molestation and sexual exploitation. Referring to the techniques used by sexual predators to gain access to our children, Brady said, "This is a new breed [of predator], and we need new tools to fight against [them]."

The fact is that most children are sexually abused not by strangers, but rather by someone they know. These individuals typically use their authoritative role as a weapon against children, such as a family friend, school teacher, babysitter or even a family member. Furthermore, pedophiles are known for becoming personable with children as a means of putting a child at ease.

"It is everyone's responsibility to protect our nation's most precious resources. We must provide our children with the education and skills they need to protect themselves," said Brady.

Additional resources are available at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (www.ncmec.org). An organization established in 1984, NCMEC operates under a Congressional mandate and works in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.