‘Catch a Predator’ Host to Speak at YWCA Luncheon
By Kelly Adams, The Columbian, Vancouver, Wash.
Aug. 17–Chris Hansen is nationally known as the last person many alleged sex offenders talk to before they are led away in handcuffs.
At the YWCA Clark County Benefit Luncheon on Oct. 3, Hansen will talk about ways to keep children away from predators who use high-tech methods to groom their young victims.
The host of Dateline NBC’s “To Catch a Predator,” Hansen works with the Portland-based organization Perverted Justice to apprehend potential pedophiles.
In September 2004, Perverted Justice helped find a 14-year-old girl who had disappeared from Clark County. She was found in Pierce County with a 47-year-old man who was later sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually exploiting her. Perverted Justice contacts potential pedophiles through the Internet, mainly in chat rooms.
Xavier Von Erck of Perverted Justice said he was pleased to hear Hansen would be speaking in Clark County.
“Hopefully Chris and his appearance will help raise the awareness of this crime in the community, as he has in other communities where he has been a featured speaker,” Von Erck said via e-mail this week.
According to information provided by the YWCA, one in three girls and one in five boys nationally have been sexually assaulted. While the Internet can be a vehicle for sex offenders to find new victims, statistics also indicate that 85 percent of all sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows.
In the past year, the YWCA’s sexual assault program has assisted more than 2,400 survivors of such abuse. Among its services, the Y provides help to domestic violence victims, youth in foster care and homeless children.
Hansen’s book, “To Catch a Predator: Protecting Your Kids from Online Enemies Already in Your Home,” was released in March and will be on sale at the luncheon.
If you go
What: The YWCA Clark County Benefit Luncheon.
When: Noon Oct. 3.
Where: Hilton Vancouver Washington.
Cost: $35.
Information: Call 360-696-0167. Reservations can also be made at www.ywcaclarkcounty.org or 3609 Main St.
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