The YMCA of Hopkinsville is gearing up for an awareness campaign at the end of October to help bring adults together to take action and protect children from sexual abuse.
According to a news release, YMCA officials say that awareness efforts are undoubtedly different this year thanks to COVID-19— but there are also spikes in domestic violence, a push for social justice and more concerns about the mental health of youth and adults. The YMCA’s Five Days of Action campaign is set to take place from October 26 through October 30 and set to inform citizens on the signs of abuse and how to take action to address it.
One in ten children will be sexually abused before the age of 18 and 90 percent of children know their abuser—60 percent of victims will never report the incident or tell anyone it happened.
Officials say you do not need proof to report an incident, only 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.
YMCA CEO and President Sheryl Ellis says, “Protecting children from sexual abuse must be the number one goal of every person who cares about the health and well-being of kids. Together, we can stand up to demand that children are protected and encourage adults to make it happen in our community. It takes all of us.”
For more information, contact the YMCA at 270-887-5382.