2024 Child Sexual Abuse & Harmful Sexual Behaviours Conference

30 years ago, Kids First Australia – then known as the Children's Protection Society – held its inaugural conference on child sexual abuse.

Seen as controversial at the time, this bold step began our journey of leading best practice, community-building, and knowledge-sharing.

Much has changed in three decades. We invite you to join us over two days as we bring together researchers, practitioners, public servants, and those with lived experience to share the nation's latest approaches, policy developments, and emerging ideas from across the child sexual abuse and harmful sexual behaviours space.

Event Details

Thursday 31 October and Friday 1 November 2024

Sofitel Melbourne on Collins | 9am – 5pm

Early Bird pricing (ends 31st July 2024)

Single Day $550 AUD (save $150)
2 Days $800 AUD (save $200)

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Professor Darryl Higgins

Director of the Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University

Prof. Higgins' research focuses on public health approaches to protecting children and child-safe organisational strategies. For 30 years, he has been researching child abuse prevalence and impacts, public health approaches to prevention, child protection and out-of-home care systems, family law, family violence, family wellbeing, and past adoption practices. Present at our first conference on child sexual abuse three decades ago, it is our pleasure to welcome back Prof. Higgins for our 30th anniversary event.

Discover our full guest speaker lineup

The landmark Australian Childhood Maltreatment Study (ACMS) has shown high levels of sexual abuse experienced by children and young people, estimating that around 1 in 4 (28.5%) Australians aged 16 years and over have experienced child sexual abuse.

These estimates are conservative as they do not include online forms of child sexual abuse. The Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation reports that online forms of child sexual abuse have grown exponentially over recent years.

What are the programs that are leading change, and how are they working?

Hear from renowned speakers
Attend panel discussions
Engage with experts
Explore cutting-edge research
Discover practical tools and techniques

#CSACON2024 will be a valuable day of insight, learnings and networking for those engaged in:

child sexual abuse support, therapy & prevention
social work and youth work
public service
advocacy

and those with lived experience.

Capacity for this event is extremely limited.

Learn more and register now to avoid disappointment.

Questions? Email communications@kidsfirstaustralia.org.au