Preventing child sexual abuse begins and ends with adults.
For over 25 years, Darkness to Light has focused on a simple but powerful truth: prevention is possible when adults are equipped with the right knowledge, tools, and confidence. Awareness is essential, but awareness alone does not protect children. Action is what creates safety.
If we do not understand child sexual abuse, we cannot prevent it. Experts estimate that 1 in 10 children will experience sexual abuse before their eighteenth birthday, making it highly likely that every adult knows a child who has been or is being harmed.
Child sexual abuse is widespread and often underreported, yet it is frequently preventable. Research shows that more than 80% of abuse occurs in isolated, one-on-one situations.
When adults understand both the scope of the issue and how abuse occurs, they are better prepared to turn awareness into action. Below are some key ways adults can actively protect children in their care and communities.
- Talking about boundaries and body safety is a critical part of prevention. Children often keep abuse a secret, but age-appropriate conversations help reduce stigma and encourage children to share concerns. Adults do not have to navigate these conversations alone.
- Recognizing the signs of abuse is essential. Abuse does not always leave physical evidence. Emotional or behavioral changes are often the most common indicators, and what is sometimes labeled as difficult behavior may be a response to trauma.
- Finally, adults must be prepared to react responsibly. False reports of child sexual abuse are rare. Knowing how to respond to suspicions, disclosures, or concerning behaviors is a key part of protecting children and supporting survivors.
Protecting children does not require perfection or expertise. It starts with intentional, everyday actions that signal safety, belief, and responsibility. As we move forward, adults can commit to prevention in ways that feel realistic and meaningful for their lives and communities.
Some ways adults may choose to take action include:
- Complete Stewards of Children® training to learn how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse
- Speaking up when boundaries are crossed, or safety feels compromised
- Paying attention to changes in behavior and responding with curiosity and care
- Advocating for safer policies and practices in schools, organizations, or youth-serving spaces
- Becoming an Authorized Facilitator to educate and engage adults in preventing child sexual abuse
There is no single right way to engage in prevention. What matters is making a commitment and following through.
To help turn intention into action, Darkness to Light invites safe adults to share their commitment to prevention in the comments below. This safe space is designed for adults to name the steps they plan to take moving forward and to inspire others to do the same.
Prevention grows when adults hold themselves accountable and support one another.
Because when awareness and action work together, safer environments for children become possible.
Share your prevention resolution in the community comments below and let us know how you are committing to protecting children in the year ahead.
