Prevention is not a milestone reached; it is a fight we must continue, together.
The recent allegations involving Magistrate Judge James B. Gosnell, Jr. are deeply troubling and represent a profound betrayal of every child’s right to a safe childhood. As an organization committed to ending child sexual abuse, Darkness to Light condemns the alleged actions described in these reports as, if substantiated, a devastating abuse of power and a direct assault on what it means to protect children.
For 25 years, Darkness to Light has worked tirelessly—here in Charleston, where we were founded, and across the globe—to prevent and end child sexual abuse. We have trained nearly 2.5 million adults to recognize the signs, intervene, and create safe environments for all children.
Still, moments like this are a sobering reminder that our work is far from finished. Prevention is not a milestone reached; it is a fight we must continue, together.
That is why we call not only for swift, transparent investigations, but also for immediate support, protection, and care for any potential victims. Infants and children who may have been harmed or placed at risk must be our very first priority. Their safety, healing, and dignity cannot wait.
We believe that a community or society that fails to protect its children is in desperate need of change. Protecting children demands stronger safeguards and accountability at every level. This means full transparency, enforceable child-centered policies, real consequences, and reforms across every institution where adults hold power.
In the wake of these allegations, our mission has never been more urgent. We remain steadfast in our commitment to build systems of change, shine a light on abuse, demand accountability, and empower adults to act.
Darkness to Light stands with the estimated 1 in 10 children who will be sexually abused before they turn 18, the 42 million adult survivors living in the United States, and the countless lives forever altered by child sexual abuse.
We will not rest until every child grows up safe, healthy, and free from harm. Prevention is possible—and it begins with us.
_______________________________________________________________
Child sexual abuse is one of the most prevalent public health issues facing our society today. The resources below provide critical information, support, and tools for prevention:
- Resources for survivors: survivorspace.org
- Information about prevention: d2l.org/why-prevention
- Recommendations for reporters covering abuse: d2l.org/media
- Explore Darkness to Light’s Prevention Training Offerings: d2l.org/get-trained
