FEAR: Exploitation or Sexual Abuse

CAREGIVERS: PLEASE TAKE THESE INEXPENSIVE CLASSES (Under $20 each)

TO UNDERSTAND AND LEARN MORE!

Darkness to Light: Empowering Adults to Protect Children

Darkness to Light is a nationally recognized organization dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse through education and awareness. Their flagship program, Stewards of Children, is an evidence-based training that teaches adults how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.

The Importance of Adult Education

Child sexual abuse is a widespread problem, affecting 1 in 10 children before they turn 18. Darkness to Light believes that protecting children is an adult’s responsibility. By educating adults, we can create safer environments for children and reduce the prevalence of abuse.

Key Features of the Stewards of Children Program

The Stewards of Children training is a comprehensive 2-2.5 hour program that includes:

1. The “5 Steps to Protecting Our Children” – a core, evidence-based educational tool for sexual abuse prevention.
2. A combination of survivor stories and expert insights, presented through video and interactive workbook exercises.
3. Discussions that promote understanding of the nature and impact of child sexual abuse.
4. Practical strategies for creating organizational policies and procedures to keep children safe.

Impact and Effectiveness

Research has shown that the Stewards of Children program is highly effective:

• Participants demonstrate a 38% improvement in knowledge about sexual abuse and attitudes about adult responsibility after training.
• Two months post-training, participants show a 29% increase in behaviors focused on protecting children from sexual abuse.
• The program consistently receives high ratings from participants, indicating that they find the curriculum compelling and impactful.

Who Should Participate?

Stewards of Children is designed for any adult who interacts with children, including:

• Teachers and school staff
• Youth sports organizations
• Faith communities
• Childcare providers
• Parents and caregivers

Creating a Culture of Prevention

By participating in Darkness to Light’s training, adults learn to:

• Recognize the signs of child sexual abuse
• Respond appropriately to disclosures or suspicions of abuse
• Implement strategies to prevent abuse in organizations and communities

The program emphasizes that creating a safe environment for children is not just about individual actions, but about fostering a culture of prevention and accountability.

Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children program is a powerful tool in the fight against child sexual abuse. By educating and empowering adults, we can work together to create a world where all children are protected from sexual abuse and can grow up safe, healthy, and whole.

To learn more about bringing this vital training to your organization or community, visit the Darkness to Light website or contact a local authorized facilitator. Remember, protecting children is an adult’s responsibility. By taking part in this training, you can become a steward of children’s safety and well-being.

To protect a loved one with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) from exploitation or sexual abuse, consider implementing the following strategies:

Education and Awareness

• Provide tailored sexual education that accommodates their cognitive abilities, focusing on appropriate sexuality, social boundaries, and consent.
• Use role-playing and interactive methods to help them develop healthy strategies for expressing sexuality and recognizing potentially dangerous situations

Supervision and Support

• Implement appropriate levels of supervision, which may include 24-hour supervision depending on the individual’s needs and vulnerabilities
• Develop safeguards and support systems to protect them from dangerous situations or negative associations

Addressing Vulnerabilities

• Recognize that individuals with FASD may struggle with impulse control, understanding social cues, and maintaining appropriate boundaries
• Be aware that their desire to fit in and please others can make them more susceptible to manipulation. Address issues of social isolation and loneliness that may lead them to seek out any type of friendship, increasing their risk of victimization

Practical Assistance

• For women with FASD, consider long-term, reliable birth control methods to prevent unintended pregnancies
• Accompany them to doctor’s appointments to help them understand and choose appropriate options. Assist in evaluating family planning needs and obtaining reliable contraception methods

Safety Skills Development

• Role-play personal safety scenarios to allow the individual to practice taught skills
• Consider videotaping successful role-plays so they can watch and reinforce the lessons. Establish written routines and structured time charts to help manage daily activities safely

Community Support

• Help arrange for respite care or a community support worker to provide additional assistance and supervision
• Educate extended family and friends about FASD to create a wider network of understanding and support

Advocacy and Inclusivity

• Create inclusive environments that support the needs of people with FASD, advocating for necessary accommodations in educational or workplace settings
• Participate in advocacy efforts to promote policies that support individuals with FASD and their families

By implementing these strategies and maintaining vigilance, you can help protect your loved one with FASD from exploitation and sexual abuse while promoting their independence and well-being.