How INOBTR Got Started

About INOBTR

Across the nation, federal prosecutors have seen an alarming rise in the sexual exploitation of children using the Internet. Child sexual exploitation prosecutions in Missouri alone have tripled since 2001. More children are using the Internet than ever before, and the only way to help protect them from dangers online is to spread the word about the risks they face every time they log on.

INOBTR is Missouri’s public awareness initiative to stop the proliferation of technology-assisted sexual exploitation crimes against children. INOBTR is an abbreviated form of “I Know Better” and was created as a reflection of the Internet lingo used in blogs, emails and text-messages. St. Louis-based business leader and philanthropist Steven Schankman has been the driving force behind the INOBTR campaign, which has been in development since early 2006. Schankman, who made a gift of $100,000 to start the campaign, and the INBOTR team are working closely with state leadership, law enforcement and child services organizations to create a program that promotes Internet safety through communication, education, and collaboration.

The INOBTR campaign will work in direct partnership with Missouri’s Project Safe Childhood, which is part of a nationwide Department of Justice initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. In Missouri, federal prosecutors are forging a stronger partnership between law enforcement agencies and community organizations, including children’s advocates, victim service providers, educators, non-profits and social service agencies.

In October of 2006, Missouri U.S. Attorneys Catherine Hanaway and Bradley Schlozman joined Steve Schankman for a seven-city tour to announce the partnership between INOBTR and Project Safe Childhood. Through the Project Safe Childhood Coalition and INOBTR, Missouri will take a leadership role by bringing together organizations on a state, regional and local level.

Click here to learn more about Project Safe Childhood.