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Community Corner

Aliso Viejo Mom Promotes Safety and Security

Kristen Simmons says it is critical to educate kids about dangers in "plain speak."

As a mother,  Kristen Simmons is “always thinking about safety,” and security is her business.  Simmons is the founder and chief safety officer of Live Smart Security, a business that sells, installs and monitors commercial and home security systems throughout Southern California.

The U.S. State Department has estimated that 1 million children are exploited by the global commercial sex trade every year.

“Not only does this include tens of thousands in the U.S., but it happens right in our backyards,” Simmons said. “My eyes were opened.  Of all the causes to get involved with, nothing hit me the way this did.”

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A colleague in the security industry told Simmons about an organization called Stop Child Trafficking Now (SCTNow.)   SCTNow targets predators for prosecution and conviction.  Its goal is to put predators behind bars to end the demand. Simmons has been assisting SCTNow with national marketing.

Simmons says she is also committed to getting the word out locally “because awareness of the problem is so low.”

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She helped rally more than 100 people to participate in a walk that SCTNow held last fall in Laguna Beach to raise awareness and funds.  Another walk is scheduled for Sept. 24 in Laguna Beach. 

In October, Simmons spoke to a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) chapter at Coast Hills Community Church in Aliso Viejo.  Her discussion of family safety included such topics as car seats, Halloween safety, drowning prevention and keeping your kids safe in public places.

“As long as this heinous crime exists, I feel it’s something I must do,” Simmons said of her involvement with SCTNow.

With the recent attempted abductions of several Aliso Viejo students, Simmons wants parents to be aware of ways they can protect their children from predators.  She emphasizes that educating kids about dangers in “plain speak” is critical:

  1. Communication is key.  Talk to your kids directly about the dangers that exist.  They need to hear it from you.  Encourage questions, and make sure they know they can talk to you about anything.
  2. Teach kids which adults they can go to for safety if they are lost or separated from their family.  Another mom is usually a good choice.
  3. Educate kids about the tricks that abductors use to lure children.  Rehearse different scenarios frequently.  Remind them that adults should never ask kids for directions or help.  They should ask other adults.
  4. Train your child that if taken by a stranger, he or she should scream, “This is not my mother/father!”
  5. Teach kids to trust their instincts.  Explain that they should say “no” if someone touches or treats them in a way that makes them feel scared—but also if anyone makes them feel uncomfortable or confused.
  6. Enforce the buddy system for kids of all ages.

Simmons left the corporate world to spend more time with her family.  Her work in the security industry offers that flexibility.  She said “it taps into a passion” that helps her to be a better parent, too.

If you would like Kristen Simmons to speak to your group, she can be reached at Kristen@livesmartsecurity.com 

To learn more about SCTNow, visit its website

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