‘It takes all of us’ to raise awareness

Five Days of Action spotlights prevention of child sex abuse

MIDDLETOWN — Through Friday, the Northern Middlesex YMCA is participating in the Five Days of Action, a week designed to raise awareness and inspire adults to take action to protect children from sexual abuse.

The organization is encouraging local adults and organizations to play a vital role in making Middletown a safer place for children, especially during this ever-changing environment, according to a press release.

“As our communities continue to press pause and participate in social distancing, we know that protecting kids looks different this year. Not only is our community dealing with a pandemic that is separating kids in need from the safe adults in their lives, but there are spikes in domestic violence, cries for social justice for Black

lives, and more concerns about the mental health of youth and adults,” the release said.

The Five Days of Action initia

tive can help communities and parents/caregivers by offering tips, tools, activities, and resources relevant to the current environment.

“When adults know how abuse happens, see the warning signs, and respond quickly to prevent abuse, they foster a culture of child abuse prevention,” the YMCA sid in the release.

“Protecting children from sexual abuse must be the No. 1 goal of every person who cares about the health and well-being of kids,” Candace Crane, Northern Middlesex YMCA vice president of youth development and community relations, said in a prepared statement. “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.”

A principal endeavor of the Middlesex Y is to provide an atmosphere for the growth and development of youth and children. The mistreatment or neglect of youth or children and the resulting severe effects are of primary concern to the Y, the organization said. Child abuse is mistreatment or neglect of a child by parent(s) or others resulting in injury or harm. Abuse can lead to severe emotional, physical and behavioral problems.

Because of its concern for the welfare of children and youth, the Y has developed policies, standards, guidelines and training to aid in the detection and prevention of child abuse.

The Northern Middlesex YMCA, with support from the YMCA Guardians for Child Protection, YMCA of the USA, Darkness to Light, the Redwoods Group Foundation, and Praesidium, have made materials available to help adults learn more about preventing child sexual abuse.

For information, visit midymca.org or fivedaysofaction.org.

Contributed photo / Middlesex YMCA The Middlesex YMCA is located at 99 Union St. in Middletown.