Preventing Abuse Starts with Us
Why Youth Development Isn’t Just a Mission Statement, But a True Commitment.
At the YMCA of Greenwich, we believe all children deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Every day, we are proud and respectful of the trust our community places in our Y.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. As part of our commitment to protecting the youth in our community, we are proud to promote Five Days of Action® - a week-long campaign to increase awareness of child sexual abuse and empower and equip us all to prevent it. By participating in this campaign and implementing abuse prevention practices year-round, the YMCA of Greenwich reaffirms our commitment to the safety of our community’s youth.
KNOW. SEE. RESPOND.
When we are educated on the behaviors of those who may seek to harm the youth in our community, we are empowered to interrupt and prevent suspicious or inappropriate behaviors.
KNOW
As parents, caregivers, and trusted adults, we are responsible for protecting the youth in our care from harm. KNOWing the facts about child abuse helps us recognize warning signs. When choosing schools, camps, sports, or other youth development programs, it is also important to ask clear questions about the measures in place to prevent abuse.
Our partner in child abuse prevention, Praesidium, offers this insightful video to help educate on what abuse means:
Watch Video
At the YMCA of Greenwich, every member of our staff and volunteer team receives thorough training in child safety through Praesidium to ensure the youth entrusted to our care are safe from abuse. Additionally, all individuals who visit our facility—both members and guests—are entered into our predator screening system, Raptor.
SEE
When boundaries between adults and youth are not clearly defined or maintained, spaces intended for youth development can become vulnerable to exploitation. Recognizing grooming signs if we SEE them is vital to protecting children from abuse. These behaviors are subtle and can escalate over time.
As adults, we are responsible for ensuring safe environments for the youth in our care. With today's youth spending more time online, we must also monitor their digital interactions to ensure those experiences are safe. By staying involved and setting clear boundaries, we can protect youth and ensure safe, supportive environments in every aspect of their lives.
Our partner in child abuse prevention, Praesidium, offers this insightful video to help educate on the warning signs of abuse:
Watch Video
RESPOND
Open and honest communication is key to preventing abuse. When the youth in our care feels heard and supported, they are more likely to speak up. As adults, we must be ready to RESPOND if we suspect abuse.
Our partner in child abuse prevention, Praesidium, offers this insightful video to help educate on how to educate the youth in your life on abuse:
Watch Video
As well as this video on how to respond to abuse:
Watch Video
You do not need concrete evidence to make a report; reasonable suspicion is enough. While the fear of false accusations is understandable, the risk of allowing abuse to continue without intervention is far greater. If you suspect abuse or have any safety concerns, please submit a report through our Child Safety Concern Form. You can respond anonymously or with your contact information.
From cradle to career, the Y empowers young people to lead inspired, successful lives. At the YMCA of Greenwich, we pledge to protect the youth we serve, and we strongly encourage you to join us by taking the child safety pledge today. For more information, please visit the member engagement board in the Mason Street lobby on the first floor of our facility. For more information about our commitment to child abuse prevention, please visit: greenwichymca.org/child-abuse-prevention.