Dear Yonkers Times Editor,
I recently read Diana Dombrowski’s article regarding Mayor Spano’s courage in sharing his history of childhood abuse. As a fellow survivor, I know how vital these conversations are for breaking the silence in our community. I am writing to share a story idea about a critical upcoming initiative aimed at protecting the next generation of Westchester youth.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and on April 28, the Joseph Gabriel Foundation is hosting a SAM Virtual Youth Violence Prevention Forum specifically focused on sexual violence. As a survivor and Sexual Assault (SA) advocate, I am leading this forum to address what local law enforcement and advocates describe as an alarming trend in our county. Learn more about my SA story Link.
Our community is currently facing several sobering realities:
- Tripling Numbers: Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace recently noted that since 2023, the reported numbers for human trafficking in Westchester have tripled.
- Vulnerability of Missing Youth: A recent operation in Westchester successfully located 44 missing children, many of whom were endangered “runaways” at extremely high risk for exploitation.
- Rise in Specific Crimes: Nationally, reports of online enticement jumped 77% in late 2025, while exploitation involving youth soared by over 6,000%—these trends that are actively impacting our local youth.
- Local Impact: Recent arrests, such as the case of a former teacher in Yonkers charged with the repeated sexual abuse of a student, highlight how exploitation can occur even within trusted environments.
Our forum will feature experts like Afia Sengupta (Attorney & Criminal Investigator) and Gabby Moran (Mental Health Practitioner) Betterhelp Westchester to provide parents and educators with the tools to recognize red flags before harm occurs.I would welcome the opportunity to share this information with the Yonkers Times.
Event Details:
- What: Breaking the Silence: Protecting Our Youth from Sexual Violence
- When: April 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET
- Where: Virtual via Zoom
- Registration: Link
- Thank you for your commitment to covering these difficult but essential topics.
