Upcoming:

January 13, 2009. 9.30am-12.30pm, Brandman University – San Diego Campus, 7460 Mission Valley Road
San Diego, CA 92108. Darkness to Light Stewards of Children a revolutionary evidence based sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, and motivates them to courageous action. Cost $35.  To register for this training please visit www.taalk.org or email sbrooks@taalk.org

January 23, 2010.  Stewards of Children – Facilitator Training. Child sexual abuse prevention training. A facilitator is a representative whom organizations send to be trained on how to implement the Stewards of Children program. This facilitator may provide the Stewards of Children training within a specific organization and/or in the broader community.  (see darknesstolight.org for more about this training) OC, CA. To register for this training please visit darknesstolight.org  storefront.  To schedule a training for your organization please email me at svavabb@gmail.com

January 25, 2010. 6.45pm-7.459pm. Child sexual abuse prevention presentation. The primary goal of this presentation is prevention education.  Increase awareness of the issue of child sexual abuse. Overcome resistance to accepting the facts.  Outline signs of child sexual abuse. Emphasize the importance to report suspicions of abuse. Share ways to get additional training to respond to child sexual abuse with courage and responsibility.  A presentation for Center for Community Solutions,San Diego, CA.  Crisis Intervention Training. www.ccssd.org

Dec. 13th from 9am – noon.  Clairemont, San Diego CA. Darkness to Light Stewards of Children a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, and motivates them to courageous action. The Stewards of Children program is designed for organizations and corporations that serve children and youth. Community training open to all adults interested in Child Sexual Abuse Prevention. San Diego, CA, USA.  For more information or registration please contact me, Svava Brooks at svavabb@gmail.com

November 12, 2008. Survivor testimony/Prevention – In this presentation I share my personal story, growing up in a home with child sexual abuse and neglect.  I talk about what it was like, what some of the major consequences were and how I am healing.  The audience has also asked that I address my  relationship with the abuser (my step-father) and what signs did he show of inappropriate behavior.  Scheduled for the State of CA Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Presentation for Parole Agents and Parole Administrators.  Riverside CA.

November 5, 2008. 6pm-9pm, Clairemont, San Diego CA. Darkness to Light Stewards of Children a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, and motivates them to courageous action. The Stewards of Children program is designed for organizations and corporations that serve children and youth. Community training open to all adults interested in Child Sexual Abuse Prevention. San Diego, CA, USA.  For more information or registration please contact me, Svava Brooks at svavabb@gmail.com

October 13, 2008 – Child sexual abuse prevention. The primary goal of this presentation is prevention education.  Increase awareness of the issue of child sexual abuse. Overcome resistance to accepting the facts.  Outline signs of child sexual abuse. Emphasize the importance to report suspicions of abuse. Share ways to get additional training to respond to child sexual abuse with courage and responsibility.  A presentation/training for teachers and support staff at elementary/middle school in Iceland.  Reykjavík, Iceland.

October 15, 16 and 17, 2008 – Child sexual abuse prevention. The message of this presentation is prevention education for young adults.  An interactive presentation for high-school students.  We talk about what child sexual abuse is and what it is not, friendships, boundaries, the Internet, self respect and respect for others.  The importance of reaching out to adults when needing help.  Sponsored and held at Garðaskóli (middle school) Garðabær, Iceland.

October 18, 2008.  Stewards of Children – Facilitator Training. Child sexual abuse prevention training. A facilitator is a representative whom organizations send to be trained on how to implement the Stewards of Children program. This facilitator may provide the Stewards of Children training within a specific organization and/or in the broader community.  (see darknesstolight.org for more about this training) Reykjavik, Iceland. To schedule a training for your organization please email, Julie Schneider at jschneider@d2l.org or Svava Brooks at svavabb@gmail.com

Presentations/Trainings:

Brooks, S. (2008, September 18).   Child sexual abuse prevention presentation. The primary goal of this presentation is prevention education.  Increase awareness of the issue of child sexual abuse. Overcome resistance to accepting the facts.  Outline signs of child sexual abuse. Emphasize the importance to report suspicions of abuse. Share ways to get additional training to respond to child sexual abuse with courage and responsibility.  A presentation for Center for Community Solutions,San Diego, CA.  Crisis Intervention Training. www.ccssd.org

Brooks, S. (2008, September 15) - Presenting at the 13th International Conference on Violence, Abuse and Trauma. Poster session about Blátt áfram (http://www.blattafarm.is) CSA and prevention efforts in Iceland.  Introduced BÁ, the only non-profit in Iceland focusing on creating awareness and education around child sexual abuse and prevention, outlined our history, strategy and tools, partnerships, success and future vision.  San Diego, CA.

Brooks, S. (2008, September 16) - Presenting at the 13th International Conference on Violence, Abuse and Trauma. www.ivatcenters.org Keynote panel. How to tell your story: From Victim to Survivor to Activist.  Panel of 3 survivors that shared their stories.   Recovering from child sexual abuse. In this presentation I provided a personal view of the journey to healing.  No longer a powerless victim of child sexual abuse, shared how the journey of healing is actually a gift to be shared with others.  Other panelists, Betsy Salkind and Gabe Wright. San Diego, CA.

Brooks, S. (2008, September 16) - Presenting at the 13th International Conference on Violence, Abuse and Trauma. www.ivatcenters.org Video Session – Darkness to Light Stewards of Children - Child sexual abuse prevention training. Introduction to Darkness to Light followed by a video segment from the Stewards of Children prevention training.  Interactive session with participants experiencing the training. San Diego, CA.

Brooks, S. (2008, august 19) Stewards of Children – Facilitator Training. Child sexual abuse prevention training. A facilitator is a representative whom organizations send to be trained on how to implement the Stewards of Children program. This facilitator may provide the Stewards of Children training within a specific organization and/or in the broader community.  (see darknesstolight.org for more about this training) Seattle, Washington.

Brooks, S. (2008, august 13) Survivor testimony – In this 30 minute presentation I shared my personal story growing up in a home with abuse and neglect.  I talked about what it was like, what some of the major consequences were and how I am healing myself.  I gave the cadets an opportunity to ask questions and share their fear about being confronted with a situation of a child abuse.  San Diego, Police Academy, San Diego, Washington. Appreciation remarks below.

Svava, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to my class of police recruits at the San Diego Regional Training Center.  I tell them at the beginning that one of the most important parts of the class is when the survivor comes to speak.  You did an eloquent presentation of a very difficult life situation.  By expressing your feelings of what was happening to you, you enable them to better understand the effects of sexual assault.  It is my hope that they will always remember what you said as they respond to calls of both sexual assault and child abuse as law enforcement officers.  Thank you again for sharing your life.

Sincerely,

Lorraine K. Brealey
Retired – San Diego County Deputy Sheriff
Police Academy Instructor

Brooks, S. (2008, May 15-16) Conference coordinator and presenter. Prevention is the best way! Conference about child sexual abuse prevention.  Opening and closing remarks. Introduction to Darkness to Light Stewards of Children, Child sexual abuse prevention training. Reykjavík, Iceland. More about the annual conference http://blattafram.is/displayer.asp?page=270&Article_type=Frettir&p=ASP\Pg270.asp

Brooks, S. (2008, May 10) Stewards of Children – Facilitator Training. Child sexual abuse prevention training. A facilitator is a representative whom organizations send to be trained on how to implement the Stewards of Children program. This facilitator may provide the Stewards of Children training within a specific organization and/or in the broader community.  (see darknesstolight.org for more about this training) Reykjavik, Iceland. To schedule a training for your organization please email, Julie Schneider at jschneider@d2l.org or Svava Brooks at svavabb@gmail.com

Brooks, S. (2008, January 30) Stewards of Children – Facilitator Training. Child sexual abuse prevention training. A facilitator is a representative whom organizations send to be trained on how to implement the Stewards of Children program. This facilitator may provide the Stewards of Children training within a specific organization and/or in the broader community.  (see darknesstolight.org for more about this training) San Diego, CA.  To schedule a training for your organization please email, Julie Schneider at jschneider@d2l.org or Svava Brooks at svavabb@gmail.com

Brooks, S. (2008, January 28). Child sexual abuse prevention. The primary goal of this presentation is prevention education.  Increase awareness of the issue of child sexual abuse. Overcome resistance to accepting the facts.  Outline signs of child sexual abuse. Emphasizing the importance to report suspicion of abuse. Share ways to get additional training to respond to child sexual abuse with courage and responsibility.  A presentation for the ACTION Network”Against Child Trafficking & the Prostitution of Teens in Our Neighborhoods” ,San Diego, CA.  www.sandiegoactionnetwork.org

Brooks, S. (2007, October 29).   Child sexual abuse prevention. The message of this presentation is prevention education for young adults.  An interactive presentation for high-school students.  We talk about what child sexual abuse is and what it is not, friendships, boundaries, the Internet, self respect and respect for others.  The importance of reaching out to adults when needing help.  Sponsored and held at Snælandsskóli (elemendaty/middle school) Kópavogur, Iceland.

Brooks, S. (2007, October 24).   Child sexual abuse prevention. The primary goal of this presentation is prevention education.  Increase awareness of the issue of child sexual abuse. Overcome resistance to accepting the facts.  Outline signs of child sexual abuse. Emphasize the importance to report suspicions of abuse. Share ways to get additional training to respond to child sexual abuse with courage and responsibility.  A presentation/training for teachers and support staff at elementary/middle school in Iceland.  Sponsored by Brúarskóli, (special ed. elementary school) Reykjavík, Iceland.

Brooks, S. (2007, October 19) Stewards of Children – Facilitator Training. Child sexual abuse prevention training. A facilitator is a representative whom organizations send to be trained on how to implement the Stewards of Children program. This facilitator may provide the Stewards of Children training within a specific organization and/or in the broader community.  (see darknesstolight.org for more about this training) Reykjavík, Iceland

Brooks, S. (2007, October 13).   Darkness to Light Stewards of Children a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, and motivates them to courageous action. The Stewards of Children program is designed for organizations and corporations that serve children and youth. Community training open to all adults interested in Child Sexual Abuse Prevention. San Diego, CA, USA.

Brooks, S. (2007, October 4).   Child sexual abuse prevention. The primary goal of this presentation is prevention education.  Increase awareness of the issue of child sexual abuse. Overcome resistance to accepting the facts.  Outline signs of child sexual abuse. Emphasize the importance to report suspicions of abuse. Share ways to get additional training to respond to child sexual abuse with courage and responsibility.  A presentation for Center for Community Solutions,San Diego, CA.  Crisis Intervention Training. www.ccssd.org

Brooks, S. (2007, September 15).   Darkness to Light Stewards of Children a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, and motivates them to courageous action. The Stewards of Children program is designed for organizations and corporations that serve children and youth. Community training open to all adults interested in Child Sexual Abuse Prevention. San Diego, CA, USA.

Brooks, S. (2007, August 24).   Darkness to Light Stewards of Children a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, and motivates them to courageous action. The Stewards of Children program is designed for organizations and corporations that serve children and youth. Boys and Girls Club of North County, Fallbrook, CA, USA.

Brooks, S. (2007, August 17).   Darkness to Light Stewards of Children a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, and motivates them to courageous action. The Stewards of Children program is designed for organizations and corporations that serve children and youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County. For staff. San Diego, CA, USA.

Brooks, S. (2007, August 18).   Darkness to Light Stewards of Children a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, and motivates them to courageous action. The Stewards of Children program is designed for organizations and corporations that serve children and youth. Community training open to all adults interested in Child Sexual Abuse Prevention. San Diego, CA, USA.

Brooks, S. (2007, May 18).   Darkness to Light Stewards of Children a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, and motivates them to courageous action. The Stewards of Children program is designed for organizations and corporations that serve children and youth. Sponsored by Gullborg (pre-school) for teachers and staff. Reykjavík, Iceland.

Brooks, S. (2007, May 19) Stewards of Children – Facilitator Training. Child sexual abuse prevention training. A facilitator is a representative whom organizations send to be trained on how to implement the Stewards of Children program. This facilitator may provide the training within a specific organization and/or in the broader community.  (see darknesstolight.org for more about this training) Reykjavík, Iceland

Brooks, S. (2007, May 22).   Darkness to Light Stewards of Children a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, and motivates them to courageous action. The Stewards of Children program is designed for organizations and corporations that serve children and youth. Reykjavík, Iceland

Brooks, Svava. Conference coordinator and presenter. May 24, 2007 - Prevention is the best way! Conference about child sexual abuse prevention.  (2007, May 24 and May 25). Introduction to Stewards of Children, Child sexual abuse prevention training. Reykjavík, Iceland

Brooks, Keynote Speaker.  (2007, April 19). San Diego State University, Take Back the Night, presentation. San Diego, CA http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/atstate/2007-04/spotlight1.html

Brooks, S. (2007, April 14).   Darkness to Light Stewards of Children a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, and motivates them to courageous action. The Stewards of Children program is designed for organizations and corporations that serve children and youth.  A training sponsored by Authentic Voices International, Health Presetations (Ace-Study.org), www.ethicalife.com, San Diego, CA.

Brooks, S. (2007, February 15).   Darkness to Light Stewards of Children a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, and motivates them to courageous action. The Stewards of Children program is designed for organizations and corporations that serve children and youth.  A training sponsored by Blátt áfram (“straight talk”) for parents, teachers and professionals that work with children and youth.  Reykjavík, Iceland.

Brooks, S. (2007, February 14).   Child sexual abuse prevention. The primary goal of this presentation is prevention education.  Increase awareness of the issue of child sexual abuse. Overcome resistance to accepting the facts.  Outline signs of child sexual abuse. Emphasize the importance to report suspicions of abuse. Share ways to get additional training to respond to child sexual abuse with courage and responsibility.  A presentation/training for parents and teachers at two elementary/middle schools in Iceland.  Sponsored by the PTA of Laugarnesskóli (400 students) and Laugarlækjarskóli (300 students) in Reykjavík, Iceland.

Brooks, S. (2007, February 13).   Child sexual abuse prevention. The primary goal of this presentation is prevention education.  A presentation for pre-school teachers at (MSS) a continuing education institute for southern Iceland.  Reykjanesbær, Iceland.

Brooks, S. (2007, February 7).   Darkness to Light Stewards of Children a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, and motivates them to courageous action. The Stewards of Children program is designed for organizations and corporations that serve children and youth. A training sponsored by Blátt áfram (“straight talk”) for parents, teachers and professionals that work with children and youth.  Reykjavík, Iceland.

Brooks, S. (2007, February 7).   Child sexual abuse prevention. The message of this presentation is prevention education for young adults.  An interactive presentation for high-school students.  We talk about what child sexual abuse is and what it is not, friendships, boundaries, the Internet, self respect and respect for others.  The importance of reaching out to adults when needing help.  Sponsored by the City of Reykjavík, youth center Miðberg, Reykjavík, Iceland.

Brooks, S. (2006, May 2).   Darkness to Light Stewards of Children.  A training sponsored by Blátt áfram (“straight talk”) for parents, teachers and professionals that work with children and youth.  Reykjavík, Iceland.

Brooks, S. (2006, March 23).   Darkness to Light Stewards of Children.  A training sponsored by Blátt áfram (“straight talk”) for parents, teachers and professionals that work with children and youth.  Reykjavík, Iceland.

Brooks, S. (2006, March 22).   Child sexual abuse prevention. The primary goal of this presentation is prevention education.  Increase awareness of the issue of child sexual abuse. Overcome resistance to accepting the facts.  Outline signs of child sexual abuse. Emphasize the importance to report suspicions of abuse. Share ways to get additional training to respond to child sexual abuse with courage and responsibility.  Sponsored by Blátt áfram (“straight talk”) for parents, teachers and professionals that work with children and youth.  Reykjavík, Iceland.

Brooks, S. (2006, March 21).   Child sexual abuse prevention. The primary goal of this presentation is prevention education.  Increase awareness of the issue of child sexual abuse. Overcome resistance to accepting the facts.  Outline signs of child sexual abuse. Emphasize the importance to report suspicions of abuse. Share ways to get additional training to respond to child sexual abuse with courage and responsibility.  A presentation/training for teachers at elementary/middle schools in Ólafsfjörður, in north Iceland.  Sponsored by Social Services in Ólafsfjörður, Iceland.

Brooks, S. (2006, March 21).   Child sexual abuse prevention. The message of this presentation is prevention education for young adults.  An interactive presentation for high-school students.  We talk about what child sexual abuse is and what it is not, friendships, boundaries, the Internet, self respect and respect for others.  The importance of reaching out to adults when needing help.  Sponsored by Social Services in Ólafsfjörður, Iceland.

Brooks, S. (2006, February 16).   Darkness to Light Stewards of Children.  A training sponsored by Blátt áfram (“straight talk”) for parents, teachers and professionals that work with children and youth.  Reykjavík, Iceland.

Brooks, S. (2006, February 14).   Child sexual abuse prevention. The primary goal of this presentation is prevention education.  A presentation for pre-school teachers at (MSS) a continuing education institute for southern Iceland.  Reykjanesbær, Iceland.

Brooks, S. (2006, February 13).   Child sexual abuse prevention. The primary goal of this presentation is prevention education.  A presentation for school teachers and staff at the elementary school in Sandgerði, Iceland.

Brooks, S. (2005, November 3 and November 15).   Child sexual abuse prevention. The message of this presentation is prevention education for young adults.  An interactive presentation for high-school students.  We talk about what child sexual abuse is and what it is not, friendships, boundaries, the Internet, self respect and respect for others.  The importance of reaching out to adults when needing help.  4 talks at the Middle school in Hveragerði, Iceland.

Brooks, S. (2005, November 15).   Child sexual abuse prevention. The primary goal of this presentation is prevention education.  A presentation for school teachers and staff at Lundarból pre-school  in Garðabæ, Iceland.

Brooks, S. (2005, November 15).   Darkness to Light Stewards of Children a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, and motivates them to courageous action. The Stewards of Children program is designed for organizations and corporations that serve children and youth.  A training sponsored by Blátt áfram (“straight talk”) for parents, teachers and professionals that work with children and youth.  Reykjavík, Iceland.

Brooks, S. (2005, November 21).   Child sexual abuse prevention. The primary goal of this presentation is prevention education.  A presentation for young adults that work at youth centers, supervising teenagers in Grafarvogur (suburb of Reykjavík) Iceland.

Media

Karlsson, Heimir and Sigríður Arnardóttir (hosts). (2007, February 14).  Í bítið (Icelandic morning radio show):  Child sexual abuse prevention. What are the signs?  What can parents do? Stewards of Children prevention training.

Jónsson, Hjálmar. (2007, February 15).  These are my “PRIVATE PARTS”  book that helps adults educate childen about appropriate touch.   The Morgunblaðið (Morning paper) Reykjavík, Iceland.  (www.mbl.is)

Dr. Kathleen Brooks. Internet Radio. Breaking the conspiracy of silence! 5/30/2007
Education + Discussion = Prevention: The Best Way!
Svava Brooks, co-founder of Blatt Afram, an organization dedicated to educating Icelandsabout the prevalence of child sexual abuse. They just sponsored a conference addressing strategies for prevention and healing in Reykjavik, Iceland. Speakers from the U.S. and Iceland addressed the latest technologies concerning treatment, prevention, risk management services, research methodologies and working with the developmentally disabled and the deaf.

Dr. Kathleen Brooks. Internet Radio. Breaking the conspiracy of silence! 4/19/2006
Bringing Child Sexual Abuse Education to Schools
My guests were Aric-James Darroe, President of The Kids on the Block, Jenny Peters, founder of Help for Angels of Sexual Abuse, and Svava Brooks, co-founder of Blatt Afram, an organization dedicated to educating Icelanders about CSA.

Dr. Kathleen Brooks. Internet Radio. Breaking the conspiracy of silence! 3/22/2006
Preventing Child Sexual Abuse with Stewards of Children
My guest was Trisha Bennett, coordinator of Stewards of Children, a prevention program designed by Darkness to Light to educate adults about how to recognize, react responsibly and prevent CSA. She was joined by Tiffany Sawyer, Assistant Director of Programs, Products and Services at D2L, Elaine Knobbs, Prevention Specialist at Kids Center in Bend,OR and Svava Brooks, co-founder and co-director of Blatt Afram, who has facilitated many Stewards of Children trainings in Iceland.