Embedded Files
We are ALL a community with a role to play in order to bring about real change to end sexual violence in our state. Help plan activities for children allowing them to have fun in a safe environment. If you believe a child may be in danger, make a report to the proper authorities. IT'S ON US!
"What if all adults were trained in child sexual abuse prevention? That would mean millions of children with happier, healthier childhoods. You can make this happen."
"What if all adults were trained in child sexual abuse prevention? That would mean millions of children with happier, healthier childhoods. You can make this happen."
Darkness to Light is a non-profit committed to empowering adults to prevent child sexual abuse.
Get Involved
Get Involved
Women, girls, and marginalized communities experience interpersonal violence at higher rates than the general population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers strategies to engage communities, reduce risks, and increase protective factors. Contact your local rape crisis center to discuss local resources and opportunities to get involved. Review the directory to connect with a prevention education specialist!
Recognize and Respond
Recognize and Respond
As a part of WV Task Force for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse Erin’s Law implementation efforts, WVCAN has worked with statewide partners to produce educational tools to help WV teachers, school service personnel, youth-serving organizations, parents, and community members become more comfortable recognizing signs of abuse and knowing how to respond.
If a child discloses:
Stay calm
Believe them
Allow them to talk
Reassure them, but don't make promises
Please reference the Trainings tab for additional information on recognizing and responding to child sexual abuse.
Making a report
Making a report
What information do I need to provide when calling DHHR Centralized Intake to make a report?
What information do I need to provide when calling DHHR Centralized Intake to make a report?
Demographic information of the victim(s)
Type of abuse or neglect suspected
Level of imminent danger
Location of the victim and caregivers
Relationship between alleged perpetrator and victim
General functioning of victim and caregivers
Any safety threats for first responders
For additional information visit DHHR's website.
Erin merryn's law
Erin merryn's law
Erin Merryn, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and believer in the power of prevention, championed the passage of Erin’s Law in 30+ states mandating Body Safety Education in K-12 public schools and training for teachers and school service personnel on recognizing signs of abuse. The law passed in WV in 2018, paving the way to significantly increase the number of children who receive prevention programming. Nearly every statewide agency working to end child sexual abuse in WV has joined forces to maximize resources and streamline efforts across the state.
§49-2-814. Task Force on Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children
Why teaching body safety is so important!
Why teaching body safety is so important!
Children who possess a strong sense of self-esteem and are assertive may be less likely to be targeted by a perpetrator. Children need adults to consistently spend quality time with them and to provide appropriate supervision. Conversations with children about body safety is also essential.
Children need to know all parts of their bodies are special, and they deserve care and respect. Just like knees and noses, all body parts have their own names. We should refer to each body part by its anatomical term without feeling embarrassed.
Every child needs a trusted adult with whom they can share their worries and concerns with, knowing that adult will be helpful and supportive.
It is the responsibility of adults to protect kids.
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