Newsroom
If you want to be in the know about what’s going on at our organization and to stay up to date on news in the field of child abuse prevention, you’ve come to the right place.
Be sure to check back regularly to get our latest news updates.
If you are a Darkness to Light Authorized Facilitator, first, thank you. Thank you for being a leader in your community and within your organization and facilitating important conversations around child sexual abuse prevention in your communities. Second, during National Self-Care Awareness Month, we at Darkness to Light hope that now, and every month, you …
The post The Cost of Caring & Self-Care Awareness appeared first on Darkness to Light.
We know that many of you have been patiently waiting to hear about Darkness to Light’s much anticipated conference Ignite. Well, we’re here to tell you that this year’s conference will be even bigger and better, under a new name and partnership with the Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg …
The post Introducing…Envision appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma have become a definitive part in how we address healing, in both children and adults. Educators are tasked to consider the traumas their students have experienced and how that might influence how they teach and interact with students. Those in healthcare are opening their eyes to the correlation between …
The post How We React and Respond Makes a Difference appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Since 2004, Stewards of Children® has played a pivotal role in the protection of children from child sexual abuse in thousands of youth serving organizations. With the recent launch of Beyond Stewards of Children™ we are helping those organizations take their protection game to the next level. As its name suggests, Beyond Stewards of Children™ …
The post Beyond Stewards of Children™, A Training to Create Prevention Oriented Communities appeared first on Darkness to Light.
After school activities serve as childcare, enrichment, tutoring, or engagement in sports. Whatever their purpose, parents and caregivers rely on these activities to keep their kids safe. Some parents will ask the tough questions (what training your staff has in child sexual abuse prevention, what is your code of conduct, how do you handle reports …
The post Is Your After School Activity Topnotch? appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Step 2 of the 5 Steps to Protecting Children™, our framework for preventing child sexual abuse is Minimize Opportunity. We know that more than 80% of sexual abuse cases occur in isolated, one-on-one situations. So if you eliminate or reduce isolated, one-on-one situations between children and adults, as well as children and other youth, you’ll …
The post Making Spaces Safer. What is an Environmental Scan? appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Step 2 of the 5 Steps to Protecting Children™, our framework for preventing child sexual abuse is Minimize Opportunity. We know that more than 80% of sexual abuse cases occur in isolated, one-on-one situations. So if you eliminate or reduce isolated, one-on-one situations between children and adults, as well as children and other youth, you’ll …
The post Making Spaces Safer. What is an Environmental Scan? appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Believe it or not, it is back to school time – time for academics, after school activities and homework. Back to school means our children find themselves faced with a whole new set of adults (teachers, aides, school staff, and coaches) in which we ask them to trust. There are many things though that we …
The post Supplies Everyone Needs: Our Back-to-School Toolkit appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Keeping children safe is something that every good parent and caregiver strives to do. From the moment they enter our lives, we are navigating obstacles that affect their emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Danger may come from the physical environment around them or from the activities that they enjoy. We may be trying to shield …
The post Keeping Kids Safe, Our Family Safety Toolkit appeared first on Darkness to Light.
As summer approaches, we may find ourselves needing to find childcare solutions for our little ones. Whether we are looking for center-based care, home based care, day camps and recreation programs, a nanny, an occasional babysitter or having to call on family or friends, we need to know that our children will be safe. Use …
The post Top Tips for Hiring Care Givers appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Summer camp, whether overnight camp or day camp, is a time for kids to experience recreational fun balanced with growing independence. When making a choice about the camps your child will attend, it’s important to know what to ask. More than likely you will be asking questions about the daily schedule and how they handle homesick …
The post What it Takes to Protect Children, Our Summer Camp Toolkit appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Darkness to Light recently expanded our resources through Child Safety Pledge, a new platform to specifically meet the needs of parents and caregivers as they protect the children in their care. Here’s why we’re so excited about the newest addition to the Darkness to Light brand family. Parents lack a comprehensive resource for keeping kids …
The post Introducing Child Safety Pledge; Taking a Stand to Keep Children Happy & Safe appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Through a combination of research, education, and community advocacy, Darkness to Light uses a social behavior change approach to pioneer new training initiatives that bring child sexual abuse prevention to the attention of the broader cultural conversation. Social Behavior Change is a proven approach for enabling changes at individual, community, and societal levels to improve …
The post Child Sexual Abuse + Social Behavior Change appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Washington, D.C. – The Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Interactive Technologies Act (EARN IT), a bill to develop best practices in preventing online child exploitation, has been passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Keep Kids Safe, a movement of survivors and allies focused on ending sexual violence against children and adolescents, applauds this decision and …
The post Call for Swift Action to Pass EARN IT Act – Keep Kids Safe appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Child sex trafficking, a form of human trafficking that’s also called the commercial sexual exploitation of children in clinical circles, boils down to this: the exchange of any sex act with a minor for something of value. They might be solicited, exploited, or even advertised for sexual activity.
The much-anticipated update to Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children® Online is now available! This update introduces a modern and innovative approach to prevention education which better equips learners to take prevention beyond the training. But what exactly do we mean by “beyond the training?” It’s still a training, right? Technically, yes. But we think …
The post NEW and IMPROVED Stewards of Children® Online appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Technology. We love it. And we hate it. Innovations like the telephone, electricity, and internet bring a level of comfort and ease to our lives that our ancestors never could have imagined. But these things are also creating a significant increase in online exploitation of children—a form of human sex trafficking. When the COVID-19 …
The post Technology: Friend or Foe? appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Often when we think about giving, we conjure up images of wealthy philanthropists like Bill Gates or Warren Buffet. We have long associated charitable giving and making a difference with being wealthy, but nothing could be further from the truth! Sure, wealthy individuals play a key role as major donors—but the bulk of donations are …
The post The Power of Giving: How We Can Change the World appeared first on Darkness to Light.
2021 was another year of uncertainty and unfamiliar experiences. However, while we were faced with new hurdles, we also made great strides–especially when it comes to protecting kids from sexual abuse. As we reflect on the last twelve months at Darkness to Light, we are encouraged: we are looking at a future where kids are safer than ever, and this momentum …
The post A Look Back: 2021 appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Darkness To Light Awarded $2.5 Million From Oak Foundation For Child Protection. Award fosters child sexual abuse prevention innovations through legislative advocacy and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
The post Darkness to Light Awarded Multi-Million Dollar Grant appeared first on Darkness to Light.
At Darkness to Light, we feel that while it’s great (and makes you feel great!) to check boxes, the real work is done when we’re creating a culture of prevention. Imagine you’re on the way to pick up your child at soccer practice after a long day working, running errands, and making dinner. While sitting in traffic, you’re dreaming of the piping-hot, cheesy lasagna you’ve left baking …
The post What Sets Darkness to Light Apart appeared first on Darkness to Light.
The blog below, written by Darkness to Light’s Brand Manager Anna Warner, was originally published on the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The original listing can be found here. All children need–and deserve–safety, security, and a sense of belonging. Running away may indicate that kids are not getting those needs met at …
The post Why Kids Run Away + How We Can Help appeared first on Darkness to Light.
KEEP KIDS SAFE MOVEMENT LAUNCHES SWEEPING NATIONAL REFORM BLUEPRINT Blueprint details agenda for swift and decisive government action to protect children and adolescents from sexual violence. Washington, D.C. – Keep Kids Safe, a movement of survivors and allies, will launch the National Blueprint to End Sexual Violence Against Children and Adolescents on November 18, 2021. The blueprint …
The post Keep Kids Safe: The National Blueprint appeared first on Darkness to Light.
1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. The trauma of child sexual abuse can have serious, lifelong effects on survivors’ mental and physical health. The lasting mental health effects of child sexual abuse may actually shorten the lifespan of survivors. Studies examining the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), such …
The post The Long-term Mental Health Effects of Child Sexual Abuse appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Champion gymnast and Darkness to Light partner Aly Raisman will premiere a three-hour documentary special, Aly Raisman: Darkness to Light, on September 24 at 8p/7c on Lifetime. This special reveals the tumultuous journey to healing from the perspective of sexual abuse survivors, following the three-time Olympic gold medalist as she advocates for survivors while sharing …
The post Aly Raisman: Darkness to Light appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Tracy Leonard’s incredible impact on child protection highlights the importance of cultivating genuine connections and accepting new opportunities. For me, my motivation to end sexual abuse is as simple as a child’s innocence. From the moment a baby is born, they need an adult in their lives to care for them. When that adult pushes …
The post Opportunities in Child Protection appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Intervening or taking preventative measures as a bystander can mean the difference between a child being sexually abused or being protected from abuse. What is a bystander? A bystander is a person who witnesses a boundary violation or sees a situation in which a child is vulnerable. Bystander intervention can play a major role in …
The post Bystander Intervention: How Far Would You Go to Rescue a Child? appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Child sexual abuse can happen anywhere, even at home during school, but there are preventative measures you can take. Check out our homeschool safety guide to ensure your kids have the safest environment possible. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents took a crash course in homeschooling, but with restrictions ending and school districts …
The post Homeschool Safety Guide appeared first on Darkness to Light.
When Bonnie Jean Kuras envisioned her life, she never dreamed the impact she would have on the lives of children. Her journey to child protection has been full of unexpected twists and turns leading to incredible results. Several years ago, I had the opportunity to share in the care of my mother, who was diagnosed …
The post Never Give up on Child Protection appeared first on Darkness to Light.
There are many opinions and myths about child sexual abuse. The truth may surprise you! Check out these seven common misconceptions and learn the facts. Sexual abuse is probably not something you think about regularly when it comes to kids – and it’s definitely not something you ever want to imagine could happen! But the …
The post 7 Myths about Child Sexual Abuse appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Every kid deserves a fun and safe summer. Here are 6 activities you can do with your kids to strengthen your relationships and create lasting memories! For kids, the last day of school is a long-awaited, glorious day spent anxiously anticipating three months of freedom. For parents and guardians, the last day of school can …
The post 6 Fun (and Safe) Summer Activities for Kids appeared first on Darkness to Light.
The absence of safe spaces and safe adults has historically put LGBTQ+ youth at a higher risk of childhood trauma. We have the power to change that. All kids deserve a safe, healthy childhood, and it’s the responsibility of all adults to create supportive environments in which children can flourish. Many youth who identify as …
The post Safe Childhoods for LGBTQ+ Youth appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Susan Kennedy shares expert advice from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about how and why to teach kids body boundaries in the digital age. Good news first; most kids aren’t being groomed, blackmailed, or otherwise exploited online. Not-so-great news next; according to a recent report from Thorn, producing, sharing, and re-sharing sexual …
The post Digital Body Boundaries: a 21st Century Concept appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Even though 2020 brought countless challenges, the determination of adults to protect children has only increased over time, and we are thrilled by the progress in child protection we’ve seen over the fiscal year. Instead of dying down because of overwhelming odds, child protection initiatives sparked like wildfires. Advocates reached new creative heights. Teachers and school …
The post Child Protection in Fiscal Year 2021 appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Summer is here again – and hugs can be too! Help your child feel safe, secure, and supported as social distancing ends by championing healthy touch and body boundaries. After a year spent social distancing, many of us may feel nervous about returning to “normal.” Isolation undoubtedly causes stress and anxiety; however, it can also …
The post Hugs or High-Fives? Healthy touch and body boundaries post-pandemic appeared first on Darkness to Light.
What does outstanding achievements in the field of sexual abuse prevention look like? Ask these three advocates. During IGNITE 2021, our fourth annual National Prevention Conference, Darkness to Light recognized individuals who have gone above and beyond to further the mission of child sexual abuse prevention. Awards presented included Instructor of the Year, Facilitator of …
The post 2021 Award Winners appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Did you listen to the Crime Junkie episode MURDERED: Peggy Reome? This episode tells the story of a woman who went missing for 12 years, her daughter’s mission to find her, and the intersection of their story with child sexual abuse. We’ve partnered with Crime Junkie as their subject matter expert to offer support, tips, …
The post Learn from Peggy’s Story – Crime Junkie appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Darkness to Light Announces Rachael Denhollander as IGNITE 2021 Keynote Speaker Denhollander will present the keynote session virtually April 27th. Charleston, SC. – April 2, 2021 –Darkness to Light announces Rachael Denhollander, attorney, author, and sexual abuse advocate, as a keynote speaker at their fourth annual child abuse prevention conference, IGNITE 2021. Presentedby the Monique Burr Foundation for Children, the conference brings together …
The post Rachael Denhollander Joins IGNITE 2021 appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Two hundred and ninety-five days ago, I, like many other leaders, released a statement expressing my commitment to leading an anti-racist organization. It was a statement that I wrote with passion and conviction—emotions that have frequently resurfaced over the last nine months, but particularly in the wake of last Tuesday’s tragic murder of six Asian …
The post A Statement from the CEO: Our Commitment to Justice appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Raise awareness during Child Abuse Prevention Month! Every April we commemorate Child Abuse Prevention Month, a national holiday devoted to raising awareness about the importance of child well-being, strategies to keep kids safe, and supporting families and communities in preventing the maltreatment of children. This year, join us on a month-long journey as we go …
The post Celebrate Child Abuse Prevention Month appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Darkness to Light Announces Rabbi Avremi Zippel as IGNITE 2021 Keynote Speaker The Rabbi and activist for sexual violence survivors will present the keynote session virtually April 27th. Charleston, SC. – March 17, 2021 – Darkness to Light announces Rabbi Avremi Zippel, Jewish Rabbi and activist for sexual violence survivors, as a keynote speaker at …
The post Rabbi Avremi Zippel Joins IGNITE 2021 appeared first on Darkness to Light.
If you are a Darkness to Light Authorized Facilitator, first, thank you. Thank you for being a leader in your community and within your organization and facilitating important conversations around child sexual abuse prevention in your communities. Second, during National Self-Care Awareness Month, we at Darkness to Light hope that now, and every month, you …
The post The Cost of Caring & Self-Care Awareness appeared first on Darkness to Light.
We know that many of you have been patiently waiting to hear about Darkness to Light’s much anticipated conference Ignite. Well, we’re here to tell you that this year’s conference will be even bigger and better, under a new name and partnership with the Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg …
The post Introducing…Envision appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma have become a definitive part in how we address healing, in both children and adults. Educators are tasked to consider the traumas their students have experienced and how that might influence how they teach and interact with students. Those in healthcare are opening their eyes to the correlation between …
The post How We React and Respond Makes a Difference appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Since 2004, Stewards of Children® has played a pivotal role in the protection of children from child sexual abuse in thousands of youth serving organizations. With the recent launch of Beyond Stewards of Children™ we are helping those organizations take their protection game to the next level. As its name suggests, Beyond Stewards of Children™ …
The post Beyond Stewards of Children™, A Training to Create Prevention Oriented Communities appeared first on Darkness to Light.
After school activities serve as childcare, enrichment, tutoring, or engagement in sports. Whatever their purpose, parents and caregivers rely on these activities to keep their kids safe. Some parents will ask the tough questions (what training your staff has in child sexual abuse prevention, what is your code of conduct, how do you handle reports …
The post Is Your After School Activity Topnotch? appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Step 2 of the 5 Steps to Protecting Children™, our framework for preventing child sexual abuse is Minimize Opportunity. We know that more than 80% of sexual abuse cases occur in isolated, one-on-one situations. So if you eliminate or reduce isolated, one-on-one situations between children and adults, as well as children and other youth, you’ll …
The post Making Spaces Safer. What is an Environmental Scan? appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Step 2 of the 5 Steps to Protecting Children™, our framework for preventing child sexual abuse is Minimize Opportunity. We know that more than 80% of sexual abuse cases occur in isolated, one-on-one situations. So if you eliminate or reduce isolated, one-on-one situations between children and adults, as well as children and other youth, you’ll …
The post Making Spaces Safer. What is an Environmental Scan? appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Believe it or not, it is back to school time – time for academics, after school activities and homework. Back to school means our children find themselves faced with a whole new set of adults (teachers, aides, school staff, and coaches) in which we ask them to trust. There are many things though that we …
The post Supplies Everyone Needs: Our Back-to-School Toolkit appeared first on Darkness to Light.
