There are 56 children across the state of Wisconsin reported missing in the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Database (NCMEC). Of those children, 22 are from Milwaukee.
According to the NCMEC, cases such as Jayme Closs’ are extremely rare. Only 1 percent of the reported cases include an abduction by a non-family member.
"In a case like what happened to Jayme, little could be done by her to prevent that individual. Obviously, he was determined when he went into the house, murdered the family and took her at gunpoint," said Robert Lowery, the vice president of the Missing Children's Division for NCMEC.
Officials say although the case is rare, it is still important to have an open conversation with your children about how to stay safe.
"It's a very difficult conversation, but the best we can do is be straightforward with our children that there are individuals out there that are willing do harm to them," Lowery said.
He recommends telling children to use common sense, and stay away from dark areas and places they may feel vulnerable. If a stranger approaches a child and makes that child feel uncomfortable, find a trusted adult or law enforcement officer right away. Lowery said if parents are out in public places such as a mall with their children, they should take a head-to-toe picture of what the child was wearing that day.
"Those things are important to share with law enforcement once they get on the scene so they can immediately start a search for your child," Lowery said.
"It's a very difficult conversation, but the best we can do is be straightforward with our children that there are individuals out there that are willing do harm to them." — Robert Lowery, vice president of the Missing Children's Division for NCMEC
According to NCMEC, attempted abductions occur more often when a child is going to or from school or school-related activities. School-age children are at greatest risk on school days before and after school (7-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m.) and after dinner time (6-7 p.m.)
Many of the children listed in the NCMEC Database have been missing for years, but Lowery said they will never give up hope.
"We will continue in the search for your child until your child has been found," Lowery said.
For more information on how to talk to your child about missing children, click here.
