April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, emphasizing the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Related Stories

  • The FBI's Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) program seeks to counter all threats of abuse and exploitation to children

  • The FBI encourages you to report crimes to your local police department or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children by clicking here

  • You can submit a tip to the FBI at fbi.gov or ‪1-800-CALL-FBI (1-‪800-225-5324) 

Every year, thousands of children become victims of crime, whether through kidnappings, violent attacks, sexual abuse or online predators. Combatting violent crimes against children (VCAC) is one of the highest priorities of the FBI.

"A lot of times, these offenders will target these children because they know that these children will not report the crime," said FBI Special Agent Preetham Rao.

Special Agent Rao spoke with Spectrum News about the rise in sextortion cases. He shared practical advice for parents on how to talk with their young children and teens about prevention.

"I would employ the same advice that I was given when I was a kid, which is, just don't talk to strangers. If you're going to chat with someone online, make sure that it's someone you know in real life," said Rao.

Special Agent Rao is a 17-year veteran of the FBI. He has served at the Washington Field Office, FBI Headquarters and the Los Angeles Field Office. He is currently the Crimes Against Children Coordinator for the Cleveland FBI Field Office.

Watch the full interview above.