April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. As part of our commitment to protecting the children in our community, we’re participating in the Five Days of Action - a week-long campaign to increase awareness of child sexual abuse and empower and equip us all to prevent it.

The development of children is the core of which the Y’s values were built. This is why the safety of all children in our care is our number one priority. Staff and volunteers at North Carolina's YMCAs follow a Code of Conduct to ensure the safety of all children who come through our doors, whether they’re regular program participants or only visit once a year. 

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, we are addressing the importance of understanding the Y’s abuse prevention policies, recognizing red flags and boundary violations and how to talk with your children about abuse. It's important that all parents and caregivers know how to respond to boundary violations and warning signs if children tell you about abuse.

Many parents and caregivers find speaking to their children about abuse to be uncomfortable. Framing these conversations around other safety conversations you have may help you work through some of that uncomfortableness. Below you’ll find age-appropriate ways to talk to your child about boundaries and preventing abuse.