Why should I take the time to be trained about preventing child sexual abuse?
One in 10 children will be sexually abused by the time they turn 18. More than 90% of children who are commercially sexually exploited have been sexually abused in the past. Despite these startling statistics, it’s a silent epidemic that people are afraid to talk about. To prevent abuse, we have to break through the stigma and shame, and talk about how the sexual abuse of children happens. It is the only way we will be able to stop what is arguably one of the most significant health crises facing children in Missouri today.
Stewards of Children® is a child sexual abuse prevention program developed by the national organization Darkness to Light. This program educates adults to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. This training program is designed for any adult who wants to learn more about preventing child sexual abuse.
Stewards of Children® is the only evidence-informed, adult-focused child sexual abuse prevention training in the United States proven to increase knowledge and change behaviors. To date, we have trained over 20,700 Missouri adults! Demand for this empowering training continues to grow as the Network seeks to train 5% of the adult population in every county and major metropolitan area in Missouri! Reaching all of these Missouri adults will result in changing child protective behaviors.
Find or schedule a training in your community
Over 50 authorized Stewards of Children® covering the entire state of Missouri are available to provide this important training at low or no cost!
Features of Stewards of Children®
- An interactive workbook and Darkness to Light’s® 5 Steps to Protecting Our Children: A guide for adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse for each participant.
- Discussion about critical issues in sexual abuse prevention and the relevance of these for adults. Led by an authorized facilitator.
- An empowering curriculum that encourages participants to make courageous choices, take risks, and support need each other, as they consider taking new actions to protect children.
- A video featuring interviews with child sexual abuse survivors, experts, and treatment providers, sharing their stories, experiences, and practical actions they can take to reduce instances of child sexual abuse in their organizations, families, and communities.
