Darkness to Light empowers adults to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse through awareness, education, and stigma reduction. As certified members of the Darkness to Light, Stewards of Children Program, Miles For Smiles Foundation offers training in child sexual abuse prevention.
One in 10 children will be the victim of sexual abuse before their 18th birthday. Child sexual abuse takes many forms, and they aren’t just physical. At its core, sexual abuse is any sexual act between an adult and a minor, or between two minors when one exerts power over the other. It also includes non-contact acts such as exhibitionism, exposure to pornography, and voyeurism.
Child sexual abuse can occur anywhere. It happens in places like homes, neighborhoods, schools, and youth sports environments, but it also occurs online, such as child pornography or communicating in a sexual manner by phone or internet. To prevent abuse, we have to break through the stigma and shame and talk about how it happens.
What is Stewards of Children
Stewards of Children is an evidence-informed, award-winning two-hour training that teaches adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Through interviews with child sexual abuse survivors, experts, and treatment providers, Stewards of Children teaches adults practical actions they can take to reduce instances of child sexual abuse in their organizations, families, and communities.
Why is this Program Different?
Stewards of Children uses real people and real stories to show you how to protect children. The framework of the training is built on the foundation of The 5 Steps to Protecting Children.
You’ll meet survivors who lived through child sexual abuse, experienced its immediate and long-term effects, and ultimately were able to find healing. You’ll meet experts who work with children and families, and confront abuse on a daily basis. Many of these survivors and experts are also parents themselves.
Training
When presented in a group setting, Stewards of Children is led by a Darkness to Light authorized facilitator. An engaging and thought-provoking, group led session will include:
- A presentation with commentary from sexual abuse survivors, experts in the field, and concerned adults.
- Facilitator-led discussions that emphasize the important issues in prevention within the community and organizations that serve children.
- An interactive workbook reinforces key concepts and serves as a resource and personal action plan for resolving child sexual abuse.
- A certificate upon completion.
Why Does It Apply To Me?
Child sexual abuse is likely the most prevalent health problem children face, with the most serious array of consequences. In fact, 1 in 10 children will experience sexual abuse before their 18th birthday.
This means that whether you work with youth, are a parent, or are simply a member of a community, it is highly likely that someone you know or care for has experienced, or is currently experiencing child sexual abuse. It’s going to happen whether you are prepared to deal with it or not – unless you stop it from happening. And the good news, it can be stopped.
Please contact us for more information.