YMCAs Launch Statewide Community Initiative to Protect Children From Sexual Abuse

YMCAs Launch Statewide Community Initiative to Protect Children From Sexual Abuse

Program Features Stewards of Children Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Curriculum Workshops and Free Online Training

YMCAs in New Jersey have a vision of a world free of child sexual abuse.  A world in which all children are loved, protected, nurtured and able to grow up healthy.  According to experts, one in 10 children - or 400,000 each year - will experience child sexual abuse before their 18th birthday. To educate adults in the community how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance, including the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties, has joined forces with Darkness to Light, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization and creators of the award-winning Stewards of Children™ child sexual abuse prevention curriculum.

Through the initiative, the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties is offering Stewards of Children child sexual abuse prevention training to adults in the community.  In-person, facilitator led trainings are open to the public and can be of specific interest to youth sports organizations, school districts, faith centers and non-profits.  Local businesses, large or small, are encouraged to participate.  Free online training is available for New Jersey residents from October 23, 2013 through April 23, 2014.  Continuing education credits for professionals in various fields can be obtained through this training.  “As Social Responsibility is one of the Y’s key areas of focus, we are committed to developing community-based solutions that unite people to participate in and work for positive social change,” said Tim Kerrihard, President/CEO of the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties.  “By partnering with Darkness to Light, we will educate and empower adults to become agents of change to protect children from sexual abuse.”

The evidence-based program is designed to increase knowledge, improve attitudes and change child protective behaviors. Darkness to Light training covers a 5-step action plan: learn the facts (1 in 10 children are sexually abused. Over 90% know their abuser); minimize opportunity (eliminate or reduce isolated, one-on-one situations to decrease risk for abuse); talk about it (have open conversations with children about our bodies, sex and boundaries); recognize the signs (know the signs of abuse to protect children from further harm); and react responsibly (understand how to respond to suspicions or reports of sexual abuse).

“Child sexual abuse is a silent epidemic that crosses every socioeconomic boundary and does not discriminate,” said Kerrihard. “We, as adults, need to take responsibility and protect children in our community. By offering Stewards of Children training, the Y hopes to empower and mobilize adults to take action and prevent child sexual abuse.”  

As research has shown that 5% is the critical point for positive change in the community, the NJ YMCA State Alliance has a goal of training 83,000 adults by 2017.  The Ys will work with local community partners including schools, volunteer groups and local government to meet their goal and help facilitate change.

“The YMCA and New Jersey YMCA State Alliance continue to be incredible partners in the fight against child sexual abuse. Their commitment to protect children in YMCA programs, facilities and in the community should serve as an inspiration to all youth serving organizations across the country,” said Jolie Logan, President and CEO of Darkness to Light.

About Child Sexual Abuse

Crime and behavioral studies have long cited child sexual abuse for its devastating impact on society. Statistics are startling:

•  Experts estimate one in 10 children are sexually abused.

• Over 90% of child victims are abused by someone they know and trust.
• 3% of children do not tell anyone for at least one year. Many never tell, making this a silent epidemic that can result in lifelong consequences.
•  Child sexual abuse is linked to a host of societal issues including teen pregnancy, depression, anxiety and suicide.
• Victims are three times more likely to have substance abuse issues, two times more likely to drop out of school, and are at greater risk for physical illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other serious medical conditions.
•  In the U.S., alone, there are an estimated 42 million adult survivors of child sexual abuse.
• Child sexual abuse ranks second to murder as the most expensive victim crime in the U.S., where immediate and long-term costs exceed $35 billion annually.

“We can make a difference step by step, and these steps add up to happier, healthier children and stronger communities,” says Kerrihard.  For more information and to learn about Stewards of Children workshops or online training sessions, contact Dana Collins, 856.234.6200 x227 or danac@ymca-bc.org.  Please join the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties to help end child sexual abuse.

About the Y

The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable corporation that is building strong kids, families and communities through programs designed to improve an individual’s spirit, mind and body.  The YMCA serves more than 10,000 members in Burlington and Camden Counties through its two full facility sites in Mt. Laurel and Burlington-Riverfront, and more than 25 program sites in Burlington and Camden Counties. YMCA services include aquatics, preschool, youth and teen programs, fitness programs, family programs and childcare services.  Social opportunities for seniors and the disabled, community education and summer camps are offered as well.  For more information, visit www.ymca-bc.org.

About Darkness to Light (D2L)

Darkness to Light (D2L) has championed the movement to end child sexual abuse (CSA) since its founding in 2000. With affiliates in all 50 U.S. states and 16 additional countries, D2L provides individuals, organizations, and communities with the tools to protect children from sexual abuse. To date, the D2L network of 6,000 authorized facilitators has trained over 500,000 parents, youth serving professionals, and organization volunteers in D2L’s award-winning Stewards of Children® child sexual abuse prevention program. For more information, please visit www.D2L.org/Stewards.