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.
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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.
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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.
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Submissions close 15 June 2025.
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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
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