The Darkness to Light Program is something new being offered by the Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford and Cannon Counties. The program helps to teach the signs of child abuse and child sexual abuse to caregivers in our community. Sharon DeBour is the Executive Director of the Child Advocacy Center…
Last year the Child Advocacy Center saw aprox. 1,000 cases of child abuse.
Citizens should be aware that by law any reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect is done so in good faith. Therefore, person(s) making a referral has immunity from any civil or criminal liability. It should also be noted that those who know or suspect child abuse and fail to report it are guilty of breaking the Law and could be charged with Failure to Report.
Step 1: Learn the Facts
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Realities, Not Trust, Should Influence Your Decisions Regarding Children |
Step 2: Minimize Opportunity
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If you eliminate or reduce isolated, one-on-one situations between children and adults, and children and other youth, you'll dramatically reduce the risk of sexual abuse. |
Step 3: Talk About It
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Children often keep abuse a secret, but barriers can be broken down by talking openly about our bodies, sex, and boundaries. |
Step 4: Recognize the Signs
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Don't expect obvious signs when a child is being sexually abused. Signs are often there, but you have to know what to look for. |
Step 5: React Responsibly
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Disclosure, discover, and suspicions of sexual abuse provide opportunities to intervene on behalf of a child. |
