Five Days of Action

Over the last five days, The Gateway Family YMCA joined individuals and youth serving organizations across the country to share the importance of KNOW. SEE. RESPOND. and we gained knowledge and practical tools we can use to engage child sexual abuse prevention in our communities

When put into practice, they help us create safer environments for children to grow and learn:

KNOW.  How to Make a Difference:  Knowing about child sexual abuse can help us better understand what to look for and how to keep it from happening in the first place. For example, did you know that 1 in 10 children in the U.S will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday?

SEE.  When a Child is in Need: When we know the signs of abuse, we can intervene on behalf of children. When we SEE boundaries being crossed or suspect a child is being abused, we can act—and act quickly.  But it’s also important to be able to spot potentially dangerous situations in our environment, so that we can minimize children’s vulnerability to abuse.

RESPOND.  To Create Safe Spaces: We know that responding to child abuse may seem daunting, but with proper preparation you can feel confident in responding to a child in need and being the hero, they deserve.  If you suspect abuse, are you ready to respond? Do you know when and how to report suspected child abuse?  Learn all the ways to respond to suspected abuse, including report it at www.fivedaysofaction.org 

Remember that prevention does not end today! Child sexual abuse prevention is a year-round commitment to child safety, in which we all have the responsibility to engage in.  We hope that you will join us in continuing to prioritize and put into action, child sexual abuse prevention.

Five Days of Action is an initiative of the YMCA Champions for Child Protection created and designed by Darkness to Light, with support from YMCA of the USA, The Redwoods Foundation, The American Camp Association, and the Monique Burr Foundation for Children.