Darkness to Light empowers adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse through awareness, education, and stigma reduction.
Our work is guided by the vision of a world free from child sexual abuse. We envision a world in which adults form prevention-oriented communities that protect the child’s right to a healthy childhood.
We believe that protecting children is an adult’s responsibility, and that through education and training adults will be empowered to act. Our training, Stewards of Children®, is one of the only evidence-informed, adult-focused child sexual abuse prevention trainings in the United States proven to increase knowledge and change behavior. Our work empowers adults and organizations to bring in child safety to their own communities.
Our Approach
Darkness to Light is a leader in child sexual abuse prevention; advocacy for behavioral impact, education and training, and research. Learn more.
Our Impact
Our vision is a world free of child sexual abuse, in which adults form prevention-oriented communities. Learn more.
Our Leadership
We are dedicated to creating an environment where courageous decisions can be made and innovations in child protection can thrive. Learn more.
Over 25 years ago, a child sexual abuse crisis came to light. A small but passionate group of citizens came together and wondered why services were only available after a child was abused.
They asked themselves a courageous question: “What can we do to prevent abuse and keep children safe?” Soon, they mobilized other community members to create an initiative around educating adults to protect children. Holding yearly conferences called, “From Darkness to Light,” they began to elevate the voices and stories of adult survivors of child sexual abuse. This initial community advocacy laid the foundation for a new organization. In 2000, Darkness to Light was officially born in Charleston, SC. We recognize these extraordinary individuals that contributed to founding the organization:
| Anne Lee Cindy Tew Elizabeth Ralston, PhD Sarah King |
John G. Davis, Jr. Isabel E. Jewell Samuel Jewell Mary Hewlette |
Stuart Christie L. Russell Bennett Stewart and Sylvia Birbrower Kim Bealle |
