I was a member of the Upper Palmetto Y for about three years. I loved the Riverwalk gym and made a lot of friends during my time there. Last week, a male member approached and touched me inappropriately. I had reported this individual to the front desk staff previously for inappropriately touching me, but nothing had been done. This time it was a criminal act. My boyfriend was with me and reported the assault to front desk staff immediately. The front desk staff asked us to calm down and scolded my boyfriend for confronting the man. Absolutely nothing was done to the man in question. Instead, it was suggested that WE leave the gym. The incident was recorded on the security camera. I confirmed through a friend who is close to YMCA leadership that the staff reviewed the camera footage, acknowledged that the assault happened and should be reported to police. I waited for staff members to contact me about the assault. I waited five business days and returned to the Riverwalk location to ask what came of the investigation. To my shock, the man that assaulted me was at the gym working out. To date, there has been no accountability for this man. To date, the YMCA has never contacted me about the incident. The only communication I have received from the Y is an automated email outlining the confirmation of my membership termination. This was a very serious incident. The Y has proven they do not protect and support women. I will never feel safe at an Upper Palmetto YMCA location again. I urge women to be on alert while visiting this gym. The staff does not have the best interest in mind of women. Instead, they cower to creeps even after hard evidence is identified. read more
