Child Abuse Prevention

Child abuse prevention is a priority for the Valley of the Sun YMCA. Every child deserves a space place to learn, grow and thrive. Every parent deserves to know their child is safe in our programs and the YMCA is diligent in our efforts.

Praesidium Accreditation

The Valley of the Sun YMCA has been accredited through Presidium, the nation’s top agency on abuse prevention. Through a yearlong process, we have evaluated our programs and facilities and implemented policies to create a zero-tolerance abuse environment. Our priority is the safety of our members, participants and staff.

We know that today

• 1 in 10 children are sexually abused before their 18th birthday.
• 42 million adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse are walking among us.
• In 90% of cases, the child knows and trusts the abuser.
• Children are victims of 70% of all reported sexual assaults.
• 40% of sexual abused children are abused by an older or larger child.
• Survivors of child sexual abuse have a higher likelihood of psychological disorders, excessive drug and alcohol use, eating disorders, suicidal tendencies, and violence.

Yet, when we understand the risks and red flags of child sexual abuse, we can do more to keep kids safe. When we all take action, abuse is preventable.

How We Create Safe Spaces for Children & Vulnerable Adults

• Screening – All new employees and volunteers undergo a background check prior to hiring, and they must provide references. All adults in our facilities are screened against a national sex offender registry.
• Training – Comprehensive online and in-person child abuse prevention training is mandatory to all YMCA employees and volunteers, and they are required to refresh their training annually. We train on policies that define boundaries with youth and procedures for identifying and managing high-risk activities.
• Reporting – Should any allegation arise, the YMCA will proactively work with the authorities and all parties involved to respond in a prompt, thorough and empathetic manner.
• Policy – The Valley of the Sun YMCA maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward child and vulnerable adult abuse and endangerment, and staff are to report any questionable behavior they see. Every staff and Volunteer must abide by our Child & Vulnerable Adult Abuse Prevention Policy.
• Auditing –To ensure we continuously uphold the highest standards in child safety and protection, we have internal teams that routinely audit our policies.

Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse in Children

• Anxiety, chronic stomach pain, or headaches may occur.
• “Too perfect” behavior, withdrawal, fear, depression, unexplained anger, and rebellion
.
• Nightmares, bed-wetting, falling grades, cruelty to animals, bullying, being bullied, fire setting, runaway, and self-harm of any kind.
• Sexual behavior and language that are not age appropriate.
• Use of alcohol or drugs at an early age.
• Could have bruising, bleeding, redness and bumps, or scabs around the mouth, genitals, or anus. Urinary tract infections, STDs, and abnormal vaginal or penile discharges can also be signs.

If a Child Discloses Abuse to You

• Give attention, compassion, and belief.
• Listen calmly and openly.
• Don’t fill in gaps.
• Don’t ask leading questions about the details.
• Ask open-ended questions like, “What happened next?”
• Don’t overreact.
• Say, “I believe you” and “what happened is not your fault.”

How to Report Abuse

You do not need proof that abuse if occurring to make a report, only reasonable suspicion. Reporting child sexual abuse is key in preventing and intervening in abuse.