Know. See. Respond. Change a Life.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen. That belief is at the heart of everything we do at the YMCA of Greater Omaha. 

Each April, YMCAs across the country come together for the Five Days of Action®, a week dedicated to raising awareness and empowering our communities to help prevent child abuse. 

Grounded in the message: Know. See. Respond.

This campaign reminds us that protecting children is not just a responsibility for a few—it’s something we all play a role in.

Why This Matters

Child abuse impacts thousands of children across our region every year. 

• In Nebraska alone, nearly 3,000 children were identified as victims of abuse or neglect in 2023.

• In Iowa, more than 11,000 children were confirmed victims in recent reportings.

These numbers are difficult to hear—and they only reflect what has been reported. Behind each number is a child who needed someone to notice, to care, and to take action.

Know the signs. See red flags. Respond appropriately.

Preventing abuse doesn’t require special credentials—it starts with awareness. 

Know the signs: 

• Knowing what abuse and neglect can look like, noticing changes in behavior or environment, and responding when something doesn’t feel right can make all the difference. 

   

See red flags:

• Children may not always speak up, but their behaviors often tell a story. Sudden changes in mood, unexplained injuries, fear of certain individuals, or signs of neglect like unmet basic needs are all signals worth paying attention to. 

• You may also notice concerning behaviors from adults, such as lack of supervision, harsh discipline, or disengagement. Trusting your instincts matters—if something feels off, it’s worth taking a closer look.

Then of course, respond appropriately. You don’t need proof to act—just reasonable concern.

At the YMCA of Greater Omaha, child safety is not something we assume—it’s something we build into everything we do. 

Many people may not realize that our YMCA is Praesidium Accredited®, meaning we follow nationally recognized standards for abuse prevention across all of our branches and programs. This commitment requires ongoing training, accountability, and continuous improvement. 

Every staff member, both full-time and part-time, is trained to recognize warning signs, maintain appropriate boundaries, supervise children with care, and respond appropriately when concerns arise. Safety is not a one-time conversation—it is part of our daily culture.

What You Can Do

If you ever suspect abuse or neglect, it’s important to know that you do not need to investigate—you simply need to act. In Nebraska, anyone who suspects abuse is required to report it. 

You can call:

• 1-800-652-1999 in Nebraska

• 1-800-362-2178 in Iowa

• Your local law enforcement

Acting on reasonable concern can help protect a child and connect them to the support they need.

Prevention also starts with building strong, supportive communities. 

• Being a trusted adult

• Supporting families

• Creating safe and inclusive spaces

• Speaking up when something doesn’t seem right 

These are all ways we can make a difference. Small actions, taken consistently, can have a lasting impact in a child’s life.

Prevention Starts with Community

We also believe that education should be accessible to everyone. That’s why the YMCA of Greater Omaha offers free resources for families and community members to help recognize, prevent, and respond to child abuse. 

These resources can be found on our website and are available to anyone who wants to learn more.

We Can Make a Difference—Together

Throughout the Five Days of Action, our YMCA will be sharing tools, information, and reminders to help keep child safety at the forefront of our community. It’s more than a campaign—it’s a reflection of who we are and what we stand for.