Announcing the 23rd Annual National Child Abuse Conference 2025
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.
We welcome submissions aligned with the following subthemes:
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
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 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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WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The conference is open to delegates from the following professional backgrounds:
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Legal Professions (Private practitioners and those employed within the South African Judicial System)
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Medical Professions (Medical Doctors and Nursing Professionals)
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Social Work Professions
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Policing
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Criminology
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Psychology
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Education
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Media
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All individuals belonging to these professional categories are encouraged to attend the conference.
Sponsorships and Exhibition
At this year's event, we're providing opportunities for exhibitors and sponsors to showcase their services or products at our conference. Please get in touch with us for details on sponsorship and exhibition packages.