Halloween is a tricky holiday for safety (see what we did there?). You have to hold allowing children to build independence and resilience in tension with maintaining a protective environment for your child. Kids need to learn to be savvy and street smart, but parents must also recognize that it’s their responsibility to keep their …
Darkness to Light presented our national awards at our National Prevention Conference, IGNITE 2019. During IGNITE 2019, Darkness to Light recognized individuals who have gone above and beyond to further the mission of ending child sexual abuse. Awards presented included Instructor of the Year, Facilitator of the Year, and the Partner in Prevention Leadership Award. …
A “bystander” is a person who witnesses a boundary violation or sees a situation in which a child is vulnerable. Active bystanding is key for preventing child sexual abuse. Intervening or taking preventative measures as a bystander can mean the difference between a child being sexually abused or being protected from abuse. We can be active, …
Darkness to Light partners with Monique Burr Foundation for Children to launch Prevent 360°, a comprehensive approach to prevent child abuse. Two of the nation’s leading advocates for the prevention of child abuse and bullying announced a partnership today called Prevent 360°. Protecting children from sexual abuse and other types of victimization requires a 360° …
In the 1980s, the American Medical Association distributed a widely viewed public safety announcement encouraging parents to teach their children about “Stranger Danger.” In the 30-second clip, a man drives up to a young girl on her way to school. He begins a conversation with her and she responds, because her parents have “taught [their] …
It’s that time of year again – back to school! Back to a daily routine, including morning carpool and extracurricular afterschool activities.
Sometimes, it happens. You need someone to watch your kids but none of your regular babysitters are available. You’re desperate—you must hire a sitter you’ve never met. What do you do when you don’t know the person watching your kids? Of course, best practice suggests that you prescreen your childcare providers, check references, and hold …
As our fiscal year comes to an end, we want to take a moment to look back on what YOU have helped Darkness to Light accomplish – primarily, that more children than ever are safe because of your support. In partnership with thousands of volunteers worldwide, more than 1.7 million adults have been trained to prevent, recognize, …
Darkness to Light announces third annual child abuse prevention conference. Darkness to Light announces its third annual national child sexual abuse prevention conference, Ignite 2019, October 8-9 in Boston, MA. The conference brings together sexual abuse prevention leaders from across the country around the common goal of making communities safer for children. Marci Hamilton, the Founder, CEO, and …
In many places school is out and kids’ summer activities are getting started – riding bikes all day, pool parties, sleepovers, and summer camps. You make sure your kids are prepared with helmets and swim lessons, but have you thought about how to prepare them to be away safely overnight and have safer sleepovers? Sleepovers …
Featuring brave testimonials from athletes at the center of the story, At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal reveals a dangerous system that prioritized winning over everything else, including protecting young female athletes. At the Heart of Gold, a powerful documentary directed by Erin Lee Carr, documents the failings of the organizations …
As adults, there are small things we can do everyday to protect children. This starts with the courage to stand up for children if we see they are uncomfortable. Even if it’s something as small as someone else forcing your child to hug, it’s OK to empower children to say “no.” This simple act teaches …
In the past year, people with millions of followers have made their voices heard, large groups have come together to march for survivors, and media organizations have taken on the topic of child sexual abuse. It’s easy to think those voices matter most because of their large platforms, but your voice matters just as much. …
Meet Chris. Even though he doesn’t work with kids directly, Chris still uses his platform to support prevention. He’s a restauranteur, an active community member, and a parent. He understands that he is uniquely positioned to help spread awareness about child sexual abuse in the community and to give back through his restaurant. Watch Chris’ …
Acts of everyday courage that have the power to protect children look different for each of us. What if you’re not a parent? What if you don’t work in a youth serving setting? How can you help protect children? Melissa is a college student at Michigan State University, where the campus has been rocked by …
We are inspired by everyday courage of individuals who, just like you, act to protect children. Recently, we heard a story that reminded us of how powerful this courage can be and of the impact it carries. Emily had just turned sixteen. She was excited to finally become a camp counselor in her community and …
Giving Unconditional Love to a Child who has Been Abused The number of children in foster care has increased for the fourth year in a row, with a report by the Administration for Children and Families showing that around 437,5000 children were in foster care by the end of the 2016 fiscal year. If you are a …
Darkness to Light announces more than 1.7 million adults trained to prevent child sexual abuse. Darkness to Light has announced that the organization has trained more than 1.7 million adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse in partnership with thousands of volunteers worldwide. The trainings used to reach this milestone consist …
When looking at human trafficking cases, law enforcement, judges, and the judicial branch must have a trauma-informed methodology. This is part two of our blog series on understanding human trafficking. If you missed part one, read it here. For some expert advice on how law enforcement investigates trafficking and the importance of trauma-informed education catered …
Human trafficking victims, including child sex trafficking victims, often don’t self-identify. If they don’t self-identify, how are law enforcement, judges, juries, and community members going to know they need help? Why wouldn’t someone being trafficked ask for help? Traffickers groom their victims and are master psychological manipulators making this crime very difficult for anyone to …
From all of us at the Darkness to Light office, we hope you are staying safe and protected from COVID-19. Our staff is working 100% remotely. While phones will be forwarded, the easiest way to contact us at this time is emailing. To find the best person to reach out to, please visit our contact page. The impact of the coronavirus is being felt across the world, and we know it may be difficult to maintain your normal child protective steps while adapting to the ever-changing environment. Here are some protective steps you can still take to keep your child as safe as possible. Stay safe & healthy!