Every Child Deserves a Safe Space

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and at the YMCA of Broome County, we believe that every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and heard. As a cornerstone of our community, we are committed to creating environments where children can grow, learn, and thrive – free from harm.

Why It Matters
The statistics are sobering:
• 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday.
• 90% of children who are abused know their abuser.
• Only 1 in 3 cases of child sexual abuse are identified and reported.
These numbers remind us why prevention is so important, and why it takes all of us to make a difference.

What We’re Doing at the YMCA of Broome County
At the YMCA of Broome County, child safety is more than a policy, it’s a promise. We take proactive steps every day to protect the children in our care, including:
• Staff and volunteer training on recognizing and responding to signs of abuse
• Background checks for all staff and volunteers
• Strict Code of Conduct and supervision policies
• Open communication with families and caregivers

How You Can Help
Prevention is a shared responsibility. Here are 5 simple ways you can help keep kids safe:
• Listen actively – Let kids know their voices matter.
• Set clear boundaries – Teach what’s okay and what’s not.
• Know the signs – Stay alert to changes in behavior.
• Speak up – If something feels off, report it.
• Be present – Supervise, engage, and build trust.

Together, we can build a safer future for every child.