Announcing the 23rd Annual National Child Abuse Conference 2025
6 & 7 August 2025 at the Holiday Inn, Sunnyside Park, Parktown, Johannesburg
The SAPSAC's Annual National Child Abuse Conference serves as a valuable platform for members and a diverse array of multidisciplinary professionals committed to eradicating child abuse to convene, collaborate, and exchange knowledge. Our conference draws participants from across South Africa, fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment.
Distinguished speakers have the chance to present their cutting-edge research, innovative treatments, prevention strategies, address prevalent challenges, and disseminate best practices, both through in-person and online oral presentations.
Call for Abstracts: Now Open!
Conference Theme:
“Strengthening Systems, Safeguarding Futures: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Child Protection”
We invite researchers, practitioners, academics, legal professionals, mental health experts, medical personnel, and child protection advocates to submit an abstract for consideration as a key speaker at this year’s conference.
Are you passionate about protecting children and advancing best practices in your field?
Do you have insights, case studies, or innovations to share? Then we want to hear from you.
Submissions close 15 June 2025.
Let’s unite to strengthen systems and safeguard futures, together.
Submissions related to the subthemes below, or any broader topic concerning child abuse and child protection, are welcome.
Legal & Judicial Perspectives – Enhancing Legal Protections for Children
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Addressing false allegations while protecting true victims
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The role of forensic assessments in legal proceedings
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Strengthening child-friendly justice systems
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Addressing systemic barriers in case flow, delays, and secondary victimisation during the legal process.
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Law enforcement and prosecutorial responses to child abuse: improving case outcomes through effective investigation, inter-agency collaboration, and data-driven strategies
Medical & Forensic Advancements – Recognising and Responding to Child Abuse
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Medical evaluations in child abuse cases
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Identifying signs of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in children
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The intersection of forensic medicine and social work in child abuse cases
Psychological & Therapeutic Interventions – Healing the Child
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The impact of trauma on child development and mental health
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Therapeutic approaches to child abuse recovery (e.g. CBT, EMDR, Play Therapy)
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Addressing secondary trauma in professionals
Education & Child Safeguarding – Schools as Safe Havens
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Identifying and responding to abuse in schools
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Teachers’ role in safeguarding and mandatory reporting
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Bullying and peer abuse as forms of victimisation
Social Work & Community-Based Interventions – Building Resilient Communities
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Multidisciplinary collaboration in child protection
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Community-led initiatives to prevent abuse and neglect
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Strengthening family support systems
Online Child Safety & Digital Protection – Navigating the Digital World
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Cyber grooming and online exploitation
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Digital safety education for children and parents
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Legal responses to child sexual abuse material (CSAM)
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The impact of social media/gaming on child safety
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Using AI and technology to detect and prevent abuse
Submission deadline: 15 June 2025
Kindly note: If your abstract is selected and you are invited to present at the conference, you will be eligible for a special discounted rate should you wish to attend the full conference programme in person. This includes access to all sessions, conference materials, and networking opportunities.
Submission Guidelines:
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Abstracts must be no more than 150 words
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Clearly indicate your subtheme, presentation format (oral or poster), and presenter details
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Include a brief biographical note (max 100 words)
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Both academic and practice-based abstracts are welcome. Presenters selected will be featured as key speakers during the two-day programme.
Submission Deadline: 15 June 2025