By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
A local effort to prevent child sexual abuse is gaining momentum as The Cocoon expands its community training program through the nationally recognized “Darkness to Light” initiative.
Piper Nelson, prevention educator at The Cocoon, is certified to lead the program’s signature training, “Stewards of Children,” which equips adults with tools to recognize, prevent and respond to child sexual abuse. The training is designed for a broad audience — not just professionals — making it accessible to anyone who interacts with children, from parents and coaches to librarians and volunteers.
“Teachers, social workers and people who are in social service agencies will probably take training like this” for their professional work, Nelson said. “But this training is really beneficial for those adults who maybe don’t have those same opportunities or requirements.”
The program teaches both preventative methods for child sexual abuse and ways to make children feel safe. “It also helps equip adults to properly handle it if a child discloses abuse,” she said.
Nelson became certified in late summer 2025 after completing a 20-hour training. Since then, she has already conducted multiple sessions and is in discussions with several organizations, including universities and community groups, to expand the program’s reach.
The training combines survivor stories with practical strategies, organized around five key steps: learning the facts, minimizing opportunity, talking openly, recognizing warning signs and reacting responsibly. Participants receive workbooks to personalize the material and apply it to their own lives.
According to Nelson, funding from Medical Mutual and Paramount has made the program more accessible by covering the cost of 250 training seats in 2026. Each session typically costs $16 per participant, removing financial barriers for community members and organizations.
Nelson said outreach efforts include direct partnerships with schools, churches, universities and community agencies, as well as incorporating the training into broader prevention education programs she leads on topics such as healthy relationships and bystander intervention.
The initiative also complements Ohio’s Erin’s Law, which requires schools to educate students about child sexual abuse prevention. While students receive age-appropriate instruction, Nelson emphasized that adult education is equally critical.
“At the end of the day, it’s the responsibility of adults to protect children,” she said. “This training makes sure adults have that same understanding and tools.”
Trainings can vary in size, from small staff groups to large lecture halls, and virtual sessions are also available.
The Cocoon hopes to continue expanding its prevention efforts throughout Wood County, working toward a broader cultural shift.
“Preventing domestic and sexual violence is a community effort,” Nelson said. “Until we all say we don’t tolerate these behaviors in our spaces, the community becomes complicit. Education is key to creating a safer future.”
Community members or organizations interested in hosting or attending a training are encouraged to contact The Cocoon for more information at 419-373-1730 or online at https://thecocoon.org/contact/.
