70 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Newton explained, “We follow a five-step training framework that includes: 1. Learn the Facts: If we don’t understand child sexual abuse, we can’t end it. This step is all about learning the facts about what child sexual abuse is, recognizing its prevalence and how it occurs. 2. Minimize Opportunities: Safe environments can help reduce the risk of abuse. This step is all about minimizing the opportunity for something to occur— so things like making interactions observable and interruptible and eliminating one-on-ones. 3. Talk About It: Talking openly about child sexual abuse breaks down barriers and reduces stigma. This step is all about communication with both children and adults. 4. Recognize the Signs: We know that signs of abuse aren’t always obvious, but they are often there. This step means that the adult is familiar with red flag behavior in both adults and children and that they are equipped to recognize the emotional, behavioral and physical signs of abuse. 5. React Responsibly: This reemphasizes our responsibility to react appropriately to boundary violations and suspicion, disclosure or discovery of abuse. It means using trauma-informed strategies to practice active bystander intervention and to respond to suspicion, disclosure or discovery of abuse.” The statistics listed on their website are staggering. According to the information gathered, 86% of child sexual abuse and assault goes unreported, with younger children finding it more difficult to disclose this violence and most cases never being brought to light until adulthood. This violence affects all communities, with high rates of neglect among minority communities. Up to 18% of teens within the LGBTQ+ community have reported forcible sexual interactions. Newton said that one of the statistics that shocks trainees the most is the fact that 70% of children who are sexually assaulted are victims of their peers. This alone sheds light on how uncontrollable the issue may seem, but Newton and the staff at Darkness To Light are determined to bring these numbers down to zero. To do that, her organization must overcome legal challenges, funding constraints, aversion to policy change and misconceptions. “We have come a long way compared to 25 years ago, but there is always more to be done to break that stigma associated with the issue,” she said. To do that, Darkness To Light needs more adults to step up to the plate to protect the kids around them. Whether you are a mandated reporter or not, Newton said that the first piece of advice she would give to any adult who suspects that a child is a victim of child sexual abuse or assault is to report it rather than stay silent. “You don’t need proof – if you have a reasonable suspicion, make a report. It could save a child’s life.” For more information or to get involved, visit d2l.org. Charleston Women in Philanthropy
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