During Child Abuse Prevention Month 2026, Darkness to Light is launching a national campaign focused on a critical goal: preventing child sexual abuse and protecting children before harm occurs.
The campaign, Childhoods Are Worth Protecting, is grounded in a simple truth—every child deserves a childhood defined by safety, trust, and the freedom to simply be a child.
Why Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Matters
Child sexual abuse remains one of the most pervasive public health issues in the United States, affecting 1 in 10 children before their 18th birthday.
But there is hope.
Research shows that child sexual abuse is preventable when adults are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to act.
A Campaign Rooted in Prevention—and Real Stories
At the heart of Childhoods Are Worth Protecting are survivor-led stories that highlight both the realities of abuse and the power of prevention.
One such story comes from Debi Ray-Rivers, founder of Saving Children and Revealing Secrets (SCARS). Her family’s experience with abuse became a movement to educate and protect others.
Her story reinforces an important truth: Abuse often occurs in trusted environments—but when adults are informed and prepared, it can be recognized earlier and prevented.
How to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse: 5 Key Steps
This campaign provides simple, actionable ways adults can help protect children, based on the Five Steps to Protecting Children™:
- Learn the facts about child sexual abuse
- Minimize opportunities for abuse in physical and online environments
- Talk openly with children about boundaries—and with adults about prevention
- Recognize the signs of abuse, grooming, and red flag behaviors
- React responsibly when concerns arise
These steps empower adults to move beyond awareness—and into prevention.
Building a Safer Future for Children
For more than 25 years, Darkness to Light has trained over 2.5 million adults across 115+ countries, helping create safer environments for children worldwide.
In 2025 alone, more than 52,000 adults completed training—each one better prepared to recognize and prevent abuse.
How You Can Take Action During Child Abuse Prevention Month
Throughout April, individuals and organizations are invited to take action—explore free prevention resources, participate in trainings, share the message, or support this work through a donation.
Everything you need to get started is available at D2L.org/Childhoods.
