For more information contact:
Madison Area YMCA
Marketing & Communications Department
smcevoy@madisonymca.org

For Immediate Release

The Madison Area YMCA is Taking Action to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse April 24-28 to Raise Awareness and Understanding About How Our Community Can Keep Kids Safe

(Madison, NJ) April 12, 2017—April is National Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Month, and along with other YMCAs across the country, the Madison Area YMCA is designating a week this month to raise awareness and understanding locally, culminating in a celebration of YMCA Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 29, at the Madison Area YMCA Family Center from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

From April 24-28, the Y will host Five Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention, a series of events and activities designed to inform the community about how to recognize, prevent and report child sexual abuse. The community is invited to sign the pledge to help prevent child sexual abuse. This effort is part of the Y’s ongoing commitment to provide safe, enriching environments where children can learn, grow and thrive.

Gardens of blue pinwheels, the symbol for Child Abuse Prevention, will be displayed at the Madison Area YMCA’s Family Center, F.M. Kirby Children’s Center, Project Community Pride of the Madison Area YMCA office, and the Madison, Chatham and Florham Park public libraries during the Five Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention to recognize and raise awareness. Materials with information on how to recognize and prevent child abuse will be available for parents at all sites as well as activities at Healthy Kids Day.

According to a study by Darkness to Light, about one in 10 children experiences the trauma of sexual abuse before age 18, typically at the hands of someone the child knows and trusts. Also, abuse happens to children of all ages, genders, races, faiths and socioeconomic classes. 

“Child sexual abuse is a broad-based, too-common crime in our country today, but the good news is that it’s preventable,” said Madison Area YMCA President & CEO Diane Mann. “At the Y, we are fully committed to doing our part to protect kids from abuse in our community. With the Five Days of Action, we are asking others in the community to join us.”

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. At The Madison Area YMCA, we nurture the potential of every youth and teen, improve the community’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. We believe everyone, regardless of age, income or background, should have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Visit our pages for more information about financial assistance or to make a donation.

###