At the Florida State Alliance of YMCAs, it is our most important work to create safe spaces for children and teens to play, to learn, to be healthy, to discover who they are and what they can achieve, to eat well and to give back.
We are committed to doing everything we can to protect children physically and emotionally. This means educating ourselves and our community about child abuse and how we can work together to stop abuse.
- One in ten children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday.
- 90% of child sexual abuse victims know their abuser.
- Approximately 30% of children who are sexually abused are abused by family members.
- 60% of child sexual abuse victims never tell anyone.
- False reports are rare. Research shows that only 4 to 8% of child sexual abuse reports are fabricated.
It is our responsibility as adults to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child abuse. All adults, especially parents and guardians, need to know the facts, be aware and act appropriately.
When we know how abuse can happen, see the warning signs, and respond quickly to prevent it, we foster a culture of child abuse prevention. These three habits – KNOW. SEE. RESPOND. – can change a child’s life.
- 5 Steps to Protecting Children – English
- 5 Steps to Protecting Children – Spanish
- Body Safety & Boundaries
- Checklist for Safer Sleepovers
- Information for Parents of Young Children
If you believe a child is being abused:
- You do not need to have proof that abuse is occurring to make a report, only reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that you have witnessed maltreatment or boundary violations, either in the child or adult, or both. Or, you have received a disclosure from a child about abuse, neglect, or boundary violations towards them.
- Child sexual abuse reports should be made to the police and/or state child protective services.
- Contact the Darkness to Light Helpline at 866-FOR-LIGHT or text LIGHT to 741741 to have questions answered by trained counselors at no charge.
INFORMATION ABOUT ABUSE
We want all children to be safe. Unfortunately, child abuse does exist, taking on many forms.
Emotional: Threatening a child or using words that can hurt a child’s feelings and self-esteem, withholding love and support from a child.
Physical: Causing injuries to a child on purpose, such as bruises, burns, scars, broken bones, etc.
Sexual: Having sexual contact in any form with a child, including exposing, fondling, intercourse, pornography, or internet solicitation.
Neglect: Not providing children with enough food, clothing, shelter, medical care, hygiene, supervision, etc.
9 WARNING SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE
- Unkempt or malnourished appearance
- Unexplained bruises, welts, or burns
- Disturbed sleeping or eating patterns
- Abrupt changes in behavior, anxiety, clinging, aggressiveness, or withdrawal
- Sexually transmitted diseases and infections
- Discomfort with physical contact
- Fear of a certain person or place
- Fearfulness or depression
- Abuse of other children
FIVE DAYS OF ACTION
Five Days of Action is a national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids. As part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month each April, Five Days of Action focuses on preventing child sexual abuse by sharing tips on how adults can step up and speak out to prevent child sexual abuse.