Public Invited to Participate as YMCA Observes Five Days of Action Against Child Sexual Abuse

VINELAND — April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and youth-serving organizations across the country will work this month to raise understanding about child sexual abuse, a topic that cries for more attention. The Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA/YMCA of Vineland will sponsor Five Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention from Mon., April 24 through Fri., April 28. During this week the Y will share information and resources with the public about how to recognize, prevent, and report child sexual abuse. Community members are invited to participate in Five Days of Action events or to request a free two hour training presentation for their organizations.
Statistics reveal that approximately one in ten children in the United States will be sexually abused before their eighteenth birthday. Sadly, in more than ninety percent of reported cases, the abuser is someone the child knows and trusts. Abuse happens to children of all ages, genders, races, faiths, and socioeconomic classes. Studies show that children who experience adverse childhood experiences like sexual abuse are more likely to adopt risky behaviors, develop serious health issues, underperform academically, and even die early.
The good news is that child sexual abuse is preventable, and the Vineland Y has made a commitment to helping resolve this issue. “While the Y is placing special emphasis on this topic during the Five Days of Action, the protection of youth from abuse is our priority every day. We are proud to be designated as a Darkness to Light Partner in Prevention, and we invite others to join us. The Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA makes the impressive Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children training available to other youth-serving organizations free of charge,” explained Terri Booth, senior director of Child Development. “With this training, we can protect more children in our community.”
All are invited to visit the Vineland YMCA facility during the Five Days of Action. On Monday, April 24, a movie will be on view in the lobby for all to see. On Tuesday, April 25, a pledge form will be available for parents and Y members to ask for their commitment to protect children. The brochure “Talk About It” will be distributed the following day. On Thursday, social media and paper copies of “Stop It Now” information will be available. On Friday, April 28, additional child protection information will be offered. During the Five Days, the Y will be joined by Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Boys and Girls Club, and Cumberland County Child Abuse Prevention programs.
Booth said, “As a community, we have an obligation to nurture our youngsters and protect their only childhood. We must prevent child sexual abuse to live up to this obligation. Please stop by our facility during the Five Days of Action or visit www.ccaymca.org, for resources, training, and opportunities to get involved.” Please contact Booth at childcare@ccaymca.org or call (856)691-0030 extension 113 if you have questions about this important topic.