Darkness to Light has released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting a year of growth in training reach, program expansion, and community-driven prevention efforts across the United States and around the world.
In 2025, more than 52,000 adults completed a Darkness to Light training—bringing our total reach to over 2.5 million adults in 115 countries. Through a dedicated network of more than 15,000 Authorized Facilitators and Certified Instructors, prevention education is being delivered in schools, childcare programs, faith communities, and youth-serving organizations every day.
“Prevention is strongest when adults are informed, prepared, and supported to act,” said Rhonda Newton, CEO of Darkness to Light. “This year’s Impact Report shows how adult-focused prevention education is reaching communities at scale and helping shift systems toward earlier intervention and safer environments for children.”
Why this Work Matters
Child sexual abuse remains widespread and underreported—yet it is often preventable when adults have the knowledge and confidence to recognize, respond, and protect. The 2025 Impact Report reflects a growing demand for proactive, evidence-informed education that equips caregivers, professionals, and community members before harm occurs.
Highlights from 2025
52,000+ adults trained through online and in-person prevention programs
Expansion of Guardianes de los Niños®, a culturally responsive Spanish-language program developed with Latino communities and Spanish-speaking survivors
Statewide impact in Tennessee, reaching all 95 counties and equipping childcare professionals with consistent prevention education
Updated training content addressing peer-to-peer harm, digital safety, and trafficking
Strengthened partnerships, embedding prevention into the systems that serve children
Centering Equity and Community Leadership
A key focus of this year’s work has been expanding equitable access to prevention education. Guardianes de los Niños® was intentionally designed—not translated—to reflect cultural values, lived experiences, and community realities. The program continues to increase access for Spanish-speaking families, educators, faith leaders, and youth-serving professionals.
“Our responsibility is to ensure prevention efforts are effective, accountable, and responsive to real community needs,” said Andrea Harner, Board Chair of Darkness to Light. “This report demonstrates how culturally relevant programming and community leadership are strengthening prevention at both local and statewide levels.”
Honoring 25 Years of Prevention
The 2025 Impact Report also marks 25 years of Darkness to Light. What began in Charleston as a community response to crisis has grown into a global movement rooted in adult responsibility and evidence-informed practice. That legacy continues to guide our future—one where every child grows up protected by adults who are prepared to act.
Together, we are proving that prevention is possible.
The full 2025 Impact Report (Annual Report) is available at D2L.org/Impact
