Darkness to Light

Darkness to Light Darkness to Light is a global nonprofit empowering adults to protect children from sexual abuse.

We believe that protecting children is an adult’s responsibility, and that through education and training, adults will be empowered to act. We envision a world in which adults form prevention-oriented communities that protect the child’s right to a healthy childhood. Our work empowers adults and organizations to bring best-practices in child safety to their own communities. We do this through full-service child protection training, research, and consulting. Our goal is to provide evidence-informed, culturally appropriate, comprehensive child safeguarding support. We leverage cutting-edge research, award-winning training, and a consultative process to ensure our clients reach their desired outcomes.

It can feel uncomfortable when a family member expects a hug and a child doesn’t want one. Feelings may get hurt, and th...
10/08/2026

It can feel uncomfortable when a family member expects a hug and a child doesn’t want one. Feelings may get hurt, and the moment may feel awkward, but children should not be responsible for managing an adult’s disappointment.

Parents and caregivers can help by getting ahead of the conversation before a family gathering:

“We’re teaching them that they can choose how they say hello. If they don’t want a hug, please offer a wave, high-five, or another option, and respect their answer.”

Consent is not taught through one big conversation. Children learn it over time as adults ask, listen, notice their cues, and consistently respect their answers.

Those answers may also change as children grow. A “yes” last year does not guarantee a “yes” today, and a “no” today does not mean “no” forever. Keep asking instead of assuming, and let the child’s words and cues guide the moment. 💙

Consent means participating fully, freely, voluntarily, and without coercion. Consent isn’t taught through one big conve...
10/06/2026

Consent means participating fully, freely, voluntarily, and without coercion. Consent isn’t taught through one big conversation, it’s modeled in everyday moments. 💬💡

When adults ask before showing affection, offer meaningful choices, respect a child’s answer, explain necessary touch, and honor personal space, children learn that their voices and boundaries matter.

Swipe through for five simple ways to practice consent at home, and share this with another parent or caregiver. 💙

Difficult stories in the news can bring up strong emotions, memories, or stress, especially when the details appear repe...
10/05/2026

Difficult stories in the news can bring up strong emotions, memories, or stress, especially when the details appear repeatedly across social media.

You are allowed to protect your peace while staying informed. Mute words or accounts, skip graphic videos, limit how often you check for updates, and give yourself permission to step away. 🔕

Small pauses can help you feel more grounded. Put down your phone, take a few slow breaths, step outside, or return to a familiar routine.

If you are struggling or have suffered abuse and need someone to talk to, call the National Hotline at 800.656.HOPE or text HOME to 741741. Support is available 24/7, confidential, and free. 💙

Last year, the Isle of Palms Connector Run and Walk for the Child raised an incredible $200,000 for organizations workin...
10/01/2026

Last year, the Isle of Palms Connector Run and Walk for the Child raised an incredible $200,000 for organizations working to protect and support children.

We are so grateful that Darkness to Light is once again a beneficiary of this meaningful community event. With our work beginning in Charleston 26 years ago, it means so much to continue receiving support from the community where our mission first took root. 💙

Thank you to the organizers, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone preparing to run or walk this Saturday. We are excited for another wonderful race day and deeply grateful to be part of it!

Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/z2mk50ZTwPb

The allegations surrounding have sparked an important conversation about and what happens when someone comes forward...
09/30/2026

The allegations surrounding have sparked an important conversation about and what happens when someone comes forward about s*xual harm.

How adults and institutions respond matters.

A response begins with listening, taking concerns seriously, responding with care, and ensuring people know where they can turn for support. Institutions also have a responsibility to prioritize safety, follow appropriate processes, and ensure meaningful accountability when misconduct is established.

is not only about what we do before harm occurs. It is also about creating cultures where people feel safe speaking up, where are heard, and where protecting people is never secondary to protecting an institution.

and the safety of young people cannot be separate from an institution’s mission. It is part of it. 💙

If you or someone you know needs support, help is available 24/7 at no charge. All conversations are confidential.

For help call the National Hotline at 800.656.HOPE or text HOME to 741741.

We’re going live tomorrow!Join us for Honest Conversations: Protecting Children in the Theater, a thoughtful discussion ...
09/28/2026

We’re going live tomorrow!

Join us for Honest Conversations: Protecting Children in the Theater, a thoughtful discussion about helping young people experience the joy of theater and film in environments built around safety.

Our guests will explore healthy boundaries, backstage and on set safeguards, open communication, and the role adults and organizations play in protecting young performers.

📅 September 29
⏰ 2 p.m. ET
📍 Zoom

There’s still time to register: https://ow.ly/FsLm50ZRe6F

“I need to tell you something, but you can’t get mad.”If a child says this, your first response can help them feel safe ...
09/26/2026

“I need to tell you something, but you can’t get mad.”

If a child says this, your first response can help them feel safe enough to keep talking. Pause. Listen. Let them know you’re glad they told you and that what happened is not their fault. You do not need every detail before taking their concern seriously and seeking appropriate help.

These graphics share a few ways to respond. In Part 2 of our guest blog series, Kimberly Penna, LCSW, goes further: how to notice concerning changes, respond when a child shares something, and build safer environments around them.

Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/y8cL50ZPQ0V

What does it look like to be a safe adult? 💡At home, it can mean creating clear expectations, respecting boundaries, kee...
09/23/2026

What does it look like to be a safe adult? 💡

At home, it can mean creating clear expectations, respecting boundaries, keeping conversations open, and showing children that you will listen when they come to you.

In the community, it can mean paying attention to how other adults interact with children, following safety policies, respecting established boundaries, and speaking up when something doesn't feel right.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, coach, teacher, volunteer, or neighbor, you can help create an environment where children are better protected. 💚

Child s*x trafficking does not always look like an abduction.A child does not have to be transported across state or int...
09/22/2026

Child s*x trafficking does not always look like an abduction.

A child does not have to be transported across state or international borders for trafficking to occur. When adults expect only a dramatic stranger abduction, we can miss exploitation that develops closer to home through relationships, unmet needs, dependency, secrecy, and control.

Accurate information helps adults recognize vulnerabilities, reduce opportunities for exploitation, and respond when something feels wrong.

In Part 1 of our new guest blog series, Kimberly Penna, LCSW, explains what every adult should understand about how child s*x trafficking can happen.

Read the full article: https://ow.ly/g2GU50ZPkNR

Children should be free to experience the joy of performing, creating, and discovering who they are. 💙The adults around ...
09/21/2026

Children should be free to experience the joy of performing, creating, and discovering who they are. 💙

The adults around them are responsible for making those environments safer.

Join us September 29 for Honest Conversations: Protecting Children in the Theater. Rylee Coppel and Marybeth Clark of Charleston Stage and Emmy Award winning filmmaker Norah Shapiro will discuss child safety across theaters, film sets, rehearsals, dressing rooms, backstage spaces, and other productions involving young people.

Together, we will explore how healthy boundaries, clear policies, open communication, and accountability can protect the joy these spaces offer.

September 29 at 2 p.m. ET on Zoom.

Register here: https://ow.ly/ymFx50ZPkif

Address

3022 S Morgans Point Road #118
Mount Pleasant, SC
29466

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+18439655444

Website

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