Nonprofit group works to raise awareness about child sexual abuse

Categories: Misc, Other
By Erin Maxson

April 14, 2010

MEDFORD, Ore. – A program is trying to change the way Southern Oregon communities handles child sexual abuse.

According to Darkness to Light, a national nonprofit that that seeks to raise awareness about child sexual abuse, 30-percent of children never reveal to anyone they were sexually abused and 80-percent initially deny they were abused.

The Darkness to Light Stewards of Children Program wants to take the responsibility off of children.

“This is a paradigm switch that says, ‘you know what, it’s not your responsibility’. We need to have the tools as adults to be able to say, ‘I am your parent, your aunt, your grandmother. I am your uncle, I am your dad and I am here to protect you’,” said Marlene Mish with the Children’s Advocacy Center.

To bring light to the topic, dozens of people held a vigil Wednesday at Vogel Plaza in Medford.

Darkness to Light holds regular classes which are open to the public. For more information visit www.darkness2light.org.

3 responses to “Nonprofit group works to raise awareness about child sexual abuse

  1. Are you still operating? ACTgp (abolish child trafficking grants pass)is hosting an awareness week on February. someone from SHI will be our keynote speaker at our Saturday event. Please let me know if you would like more information. Thank you, Donna

  2. Hi,
    I am Corina, Survivor of 14 years of childhood sexual abuse. My father aggressively sexually abused me and just before my 13th birthday, I became pregnant with his son, whom was born 8 months later.
    I have been searching for ways that I can raise awareness in the Portland area, with no leads. If you have any suggestions that would help me move in the direction of speaking to groups about the importance of preventing childhood sexual abuse, I would be forever greatful.

    Thank you for your time,
    Corina

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *