West Suburban YMCA In Newton Joins Campaign to Prevent Sexual Abuse

NEWTON, MA — The West Suburban YMCA is participating in "Five Days of Action," a weeklong campaign from April 18 to 22 to raise awareness and inspire adults to take action to protect children from sexual abuse.

During the Five Days of Action, the West Suburban YMCA will be engaging these critical steps of prevention: KNOW. SEE. RESPOND. When adults know how abuse happens, see the warning signs, and respond quickly to prevent abuse, they foster a culture of child abuse prevention, said the organization.

“The children of Newton and our surrounding communities have the right to a happy and safe childhood, and it’s our responsibility as adults and organizations to stand up to protect that right,” Jack Fucci, President and CEO of the West Suburban YMCA, said in a statement. “By joining in the Five Days of Action’s KNOW. SEE. RESPOND. campaign, we hope to inspire other organizations and members of our community to create safe spaces that protect children from sexual abuse.”

The West Suburban YMCA is providing resources and handouts at its facility at 276 Church Street in Newton. Resources include tips for talking to children about boundaries, the importance of familiarizing yourself with policies at youth-serving organizations, how to recognize signs of abuse, and what to do if a child discloses abuse.

The West Suburban YMCA encourages all adults in the community to learn more about child abuse prevention by visiting www.wsymca.org/child-safety and www.fivedaysofaction.org.