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 …
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 …
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 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
In 2018, US Champion Gymnast and Advocate Aly Raisman partnered with Darkness to Light to provide immediate support to the gymnastics community and to begin work on a comprehensive program to help young athletes everywhere participate in a safe and abuse-free environment. Together, we launched the Flip the Switch Campaign calling on all adults involved …
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 …
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 …