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.
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 …
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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 …
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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.
Darkness to Light Announces Alexandra Zarini as IGNITE 2021 Keynote Speaker The founder of the Alexandra Gucci Foundation will present the keynote session virtually April 28th. Charleston, SC. – March 9, 2021 – Darkness to Light announces Alexandra Zarini, founder of the Alexandra Gucci Children’s Foundation, as a keynote speaker at their fourth annual child …
The post Alexandra Zarini Joins IGNITE 2021 appeared first on Darkness to Light.
While you can’t prevent your teen’s first heartbreak, you can equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to safely navigate dating. Teaching teen dating safety goes beyond the “birds and the bees.” It also involves teaching teens respect, communication skills, and spotting red flags before problems escalate. While discussing sex and relationships might be intimidating, or even uncomfortable, …
The post Teen Dating Safety Tips appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Darkness to Light Teams Up with the Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse for National Conference Presented by the Monique Burr Foundation for Children Fourth annual IGNITE 2021 conference is taking place virtually April 27th-29th, 2021 Charleston, SC. – February 24, 2021 – Darkness to Light’s fourth annual child sexual abuse prevention …
The post Darkness to Light Teams Up With The Moore Center appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Gold Medalist & Advocate Joining As Woodward Gymnastics Program Designer; Partnership Unveils New Features & Expanded Programming for Summer 2021; Camp Registration Open Now WOODWARD, PA. – February 4, 2019 – Woodward, the ultimate summer camp experience and part of POWDR, today announced an exciting partnership with one of the most decorated American gymnasts in …
The post Aly Raisman Teams Up With Woodward To Inspire & Empower Next Generation Of Gymnasts appeared first on Darkness to Light.
In this Honest Conversation, President and CEO Katelyn Brewer sat down with three experts in the field of commercial sexual exploitation of children to discuss the truth about child sex trafficking, especially in the digital world. These experts include Sarah Cooper, Nicole Epps, and Eliza Reock. Cooper is a survivor and advocate for children; after …
The post Honest Conversations: Online Child Sex Trafficking appeared first on Darkness to Light.
To read in English, click here. Se convertirá en un adulto confiable cuando los niños confíen en que contarán con usted cuando necesiten ayuda. A menudo hablamos de lo que significa ser un adulto confiable cuando los niños le revelan un abuso. De hecho, esta es una parte fundamental del quinto paso de los 5 …
The post Cómo Ser Un Adulto Confiable appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Schools can play a vital role in student safety and should continue to play this role for remote students. Schools provide important education for children and a space for them to discover who they are and form friendships. Schools also serve as a safe haven for some children. 30% of children who are sexually abused …
The post Tips for Keeping Remote Students Safe appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Human trafficking affects the most vulnerable in our society: children. No matter where you live, chances are child sex trafficking is happening nearby. Learn to protect kids from trafficking today!
The post Child Trafficking appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve seen an increase in reports of the online exploitation of children. Trafficking is happening everywhere: not just in developing countries, but also in first world nations and especially online. Last year saw changes in child abuse reporting rates and trafficking reporting rates that show an increase in the …
The post Safety from Online Exploitation appeared first on Darkness to Light.
It’s not often we make public statements about news events not directly related to our work of serving child victims of abuse. Yet what took place here in Washington, D.C., last week was no ordinary event. Just blocks from my house and to National Children’s Alliance headquarters here on Capitol Hill, a violent mob stormed …
Continue "Our Statement on Political Violence"
The post Our Statement on Political Violence appeared first on National Children's Alliance.
This year has brought changes and challenges no one could have anticipated. However, the movement to protect kids in 2020 did not slow down. We pivoted and continued to provide vital resources and education to communities around the world. As we reflect on 2020 (can you believe it’s almost 2021?!?), we continue to be overwhelmed …
The post Reflecting on 2020 appeared first on Darkness to Light.
In Honest Conversations episode 6, we sat down with three passionate advocates to discuss protecting Orthodox Jewish kids from abuse. Watch the full conversation below. The issues facing the Jewish community aren’t unique—just watch our previous conversations about the stigmas and challenges in Hispanic and Black communities. It’s clear that community leadership is key when …
The post Honest Conversations: Believing Survivors appeared first on Darkness to Light.
¿Cuál es su cultura familiar? ¿Alguna vez se ha detenido a pensar en ella? ¿Su familia tiene chistes privados, rituales cotidianos o programas tácitos? ¿Alguna vez ha pensado en la manera única en que, como familia, hablan entre ustedes, afrontan los conflictos o solucionan los problemas? ¿Cómo afrontan las situaciones estresantes inesperadas, como el distanciamiento …
The post Cree su propio código de conducta familiar appeared first on Darkness to Light.
¿Está pasando mucho tiempo en casa con sus hijos? ¿Está buscando actividades divertidas y saludables para hacer juntos? Pruebe con el juego “¿Qué harías si…?” El juego “¿Qué harías si…?” es una manera excelente de plantearles a los niños situaciones que podrían enfrentar en la vida y tendrían que solucionar. Como padre, madre o cuidador, …
The post CUANDO “QUÉ HARÍAS SI” SE CONVIERTE EN “Y AHORA QUÉ” appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Con escuelas en movimiento hacia el aprendizaje digital, es posible que sus hijos pasen más tiempo en línea. Ya sea con juegos o clases en línea o al socializar con amigos, están delante de una pantalla más de lo normal. Entonces, ¿cómo puede asegurarse de que estén a salvo en línea? Tal como lo haría …
The post Protocolos de seguridad para el aprendizaje en línea: Para padres appeared first on Darkness to Light.
Durante este tiempo inusual, ha tenido que cambiar por completo su manera de enseñar. Sus planes de lecciones, actividades y conversaciones son muy diferentes de lo que hacía apenas unas semanas atrás. A medida que transite este nuevo espacio, es importante recordar que así como en el ámbito de su aula física tiene reglas para …
The post Protocolos de seguridad para el aprendizaje en línea: Para maestros 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.
