1. Our Mission: To Empower People to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse

3. will be sexually abused before he turns 18.

9.  Adults are responsible for the safety of children.  Adults should take proactive steps to protect children from this significant risk.  Adults are the ones who need to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Yet, the statistics clearly show that adults aren’t shouldering this responsibility. Darkness to Light believes that adults just don’t know how.

10.  It is unrealistic to expect a six-year old to fend off sexual advances from an adult relative or friend.  A six-year old cannot recognize sexual advances for what they are, and a six- year old has been taught to “mind” adults who are authority figures.  It is impractical to think that a six-year old can or even should protect himself in this situation. We should ask ourselves: At what age are children capable of protecting themselves from potential abusers?

11. There are a lot of reasons why, but the main reason is that … THEY DON’T KNOW HOW!  Child abuse statistics show that adults do not adequately protect children from child sexual abuse.  Research suggests that adults are unaware of effective steps they can take to protect their children from sexual abuse.  Most do not know how to recognize signs of sexual abuse and many do not know what to do when sexual abuse is discovered.

12.  THE CONSEQUENCES of child sexual abuse to our children and to our society begin immediately.  Child sexual abuse is a direct source of a number of societal problems facing us. We should work together to protect our children’s ONLY childhood!

13.  70-80% of sexual abuse survivors report excessive drug & alcohol use.  Among male survivors, 50% have suicidal thoughts & more than 20% attempt suicide.  Sexually abused girls are more likely to develop eating disorders.  More than 60% of teen first pregnancies are preceded by experiences of molestation, rape or attempted rape. The average age of the offenders is 27 years old.  Both sexually abused males & females are more likely to engage in prostitution.  Approximately 40% of sex offenders report being sexual abused as children.

14. Stewards of Children Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training The only nationally available program scientifically proven to:  Increase knowledge  Improve attitudes & change child-protective behaviors  Targets ADULTS… parents, responsible adults & youth-serving organizations.

15.  Facts about the problem of child sexual abuse.  The types of situations in which child sexual abuse might occur.  Simple, effective strategies for protecting children from sexual abuse.  The importance of talking about the prevention of sexual abuse with children and other adults.  The signs of sexual abuse so you that you might intervene and be able to react responsibly.

16.  Step 1: Learn the Facts  Step 2: Minimize Opportunity  Step 3: Talk About It  Step 4: Stay Alert  Step 5: Make a Plan  Step 6: Act on Suspicions  Step 7: Get Involved