The Hamilton Area YMCA is currently pursuing a nationally recognized Praesidium accreditation. Praesidium accreditation is a standardized, consistent, and objective process that allows organizations to publicly demonstrate their commitment to preventing abuse. Pursuing this accreditation provides our YMCA with access to best practices, written resources to enhance prevention efforts, and consultation with experts. 

• 1 in 10 children is sexually abused before their 18th birthday.
• In 93% of cases, the child knows and trusts the abuser.
• 60% of children who are sexually abused do not disclose
• 1 in 5 children is sexually assaulted while on the Internet.
• Survivors of child sexual abuse have a higher likelihood of psychological disorders, excessive drug and alcohol use, eating disorders, suicidal tendencies, and violence.

Ensuring children are safe from abuse and able to learn, grow, and thrive is the highest priority of the YMCA.  We are committed to creating programs that protect children from abuse, but we are also committed to providing our families and community with information to keep kids safe everywhere.  It is the power of our community knowing, seeing, and responding that will make it more difficult for offenders to abuse.  

1. Know
• How to recognize boundary violations and how offenders operate
• Teach your child rules about their bodies
• Learn about YMCA Child Protection Policies and let us know if someone is not compliant
2. See
• ​​​​​​​Warning signs of abuse
• Emotional boundary violations
• Physical boundary violations
• Behavior boundary violations
3. Respond
• Whether you suspect abuse, observe policy violations, or just have an odd feeling about someone or their behavior, acting is the most important role you can have
• Concerns about child safety?  Report anonymously using  this form
• In New Jersey, any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or acts of abuse should immediately report this information to the State Central Registry (SCR). If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 as well as 1-877 NJ ABUSE (1-877-652-2873). A concerned caller does not need proof to report an allegation of child abuse and can make the report anonymously.