Child Sexual Assault
At the YWCA, our Child Sexual Assault and Crisis Services are dedicated to helping the child survivors, and their families who are safe places, reclaim control and power over their lives while emphasizing that they are never at fault.
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Child Advocacy
Who Can Receive Help?
Any Child 12 and under who has experienced sexual assault
Secondary Survivors
Non-offending family members of children aged 12 and under who have experienced sexual assault.
Service Area
YWCA CAP serves the following cities and towns: Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Merrimack, Methuen, North Andover, and North Reading.
Confidential and Free Services
All our services are confidential, free of charge, and available in English and Spanish.
Understanding Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse encompasses various forms of sexual activity with a minor.
It can involve both touching and non-touching behaviors, such as voyeurism, exhibitionism, or exposing a child to pornography.
Child sexual abuse is a criminal offense.
In most cases, the perpetrator is someone known to the child or their family.
Children of all ages and backgrounds can be victims of sexual abuse.
Signs That a Child or Family Needs Help
Every child responds differently to sexual abuse, and behaviors can vary.
Common signs of sexual abuse include:
Unusual curiosity or avoidance of sexual topics.
Changes in sleep patterns, such as frequent nightmares or difficulty falling asleep.
Altered eating habits, including increased or decreased appetite.
Symptoms of depression or withdrawal.
Changes in hygiene, like refusing to bathe or excessive bathing.
Unusual aggressiveness.
Decline in school performance and attendance, with difficulties concentrating and reluctance to attend.
Development of phobias, unusual fears, or reluctance to be alone with specific individuals.
Displays of sexual molestation or sexual acts in drawings, games, fantasies, or play.
Display sexual knowledge, language, or behaviors inappropriate for the child's age.
Suicidal behavior or self-injury.
How the YWCA Can Help
We offer a range of free services to support child victims of sexual abuse and their non-offending family members or caregivers, including:
Crisis Intervention
Our toll-free, 24-hour confidential hotline is available in English and Spanish at 1.877.509.YWCA (9922).
Counseling
We provide individual and family counseling free of charge to child victims and their family members/caregivers.
Support
Our staff accompanies children and families to child advocacy centers, emergency rooms, police stations, and court proceedings. We also collaborate with teachers to help them understand how sexual abuse can impact a child’s behavior and classroom participation.
How You Can Help
Speak Up
Learn to recognize the signs of child sexual abuse and be willing to report it if you suspect it. 24-hour confidential hotline is available in English and Spanish at 1.877.509.YWCA (9922).
Donate
Support the YWCA’s annual appeal to ensure that every child and family affected by child sexual abuse receives the support they need. Learn about Donating.
Volunteer
Get involved. Learn about YWCA’s Volunteer Opportunities.
Advocate
Encourage your elected officials, including legislators and school board members, to support programs and services that aid victims of child sexual abuse. Learn about our Advocacy Services.
We are deeply grateful to the Massachusetts Department of Victim and Witness Safety for their invaluable support of this vital program.