Whether you are trying to prevent abuse from happening, or you are concerned a child you know is being abused, there are resources available to help.
If you believe a child is in immediate danger report to authorities or child protective services. If you want any other one-on-one help in determining how to respond appropriately, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or text LIGHT to 741741.
Adults are more equipped to prevent abuse from happening when they understand the basics of how abuse can occur and how to prevent it. Darkness to Light’s 5 Steps to Protecting Children™ and Stewards of Children® prevention training are the tools adults need to make prevention a reality.
It isn’t always easy to recognize abuse, but knowing what signs might be present can help. It’s also important to know how to react when a child is telling you that abuse has occurred.
If you suspect that abuse is happening, have witnessed abuse yourself, or have been told by a child that they are being abused, it’s your responsibility to report it to the authorities.
Children cannot protect themselves, and very young children, who are often the target of predators, in many cases are unable to speak for themselves. As adults, we all have a responsibility to protect children and take action when we believe a child is being abused.
