New website details child abduction data

A new website detailing different types of child abduction has been launched.

The site, called the Child Abduction Hub, which went live on May 20, aims to provide information and advice to parents and professionals on all types of abduction.

The Hub, operated by charity Parents and Abducted Children Together (PACT), will address some of the myths associated with child abduction, whether linked to strangers, family, friends or a parent.

It will be supported by an advisory board of representatives from law enforcement, the Government, universities and charities.

Lady Catherine Meyer, founder and chief executive of PACT, said the ambition behind the website was to transform how society protects children from abduction.

“PACT has established that there is a crying need for practical common sense and advice. This can only be done on the basis of bringing together information, research and analysis in a ‘one stop shop’, which the Child Abduction Hub is designed to offer,” she said.

“We are delighted to be working with the National Crime Agency (NCA) Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) command and thanks to the incredible support from players of the People`s Postcode Lottery, we can rise to the challenge of keeping our children safe.”

Charlie Hedges, manager of missing and abducted children at the NCA, said there is still a need for parents to understand how they can help keep their children safe.

“Thankfully, child abductions are relatively rare occurrences and the majority of children who go missing from home return safely.

“With continued analysis and research by both the NCA and PACT, the Child Abduction Hub will provide the most up-to-date and relevant information needed.”

The site can be viewed at www.childabduction.org.uk