In Conversation — Online child sexual abuse: complexities, impacts and how to assist victims and survivors

In May 2023, Detective Inspector Jon Rouse spoke with the National Centre on the dangers of online abuse and how technology is used to harm and abuse children and young people.

In part 2 of this important conversation, we will be joined by Associate Professor Dr Michael Salter and Carol Todd to further unpack the complexities and impacts of online child sexual abuse, including grooming processes. From these perspectives, we will explore what the unique needs of victims of online abuse are, how we can support victims and what agencies can do to combat this issue.

Date: Thursday 19 October 2023

Time: 2pm-3pm AEDT

Where: Online 

Please note this webinar will be recorded.

Featuring a live Q&A session with the speakers, all are welcome.

Speakers

Associate Professor Dr Michael Salter is the Scientia Associate Professor of Criminology at the School of Social Sciences at UNSW and an expert in child sexual exploitation and gendered violence. Michael applies critical and feminist theory to the study of complex trauma, with a focus on intersections with technology. Michael is the President of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, Chair of the Grace Tame Foundation and an advisor to the Australian Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

Carol Todd is an assistive technology teacher from Port Coquitlam, BC. She is also the mother of Amanda Todd, who tragically lost her life to cyberbullying in October of 2012. Carol is a tireless champion of educating Canadians of all ages on the important subject of cyberbullying.

Moderator

Dr Leanne Beagley is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse. She has clinical, leadership and legal qualifications and 15 years of clinical experience in child and family mental health services, with subsequent experience as a senior leader within health, mental health and primary care settings. She has undertaken policy leadership within government and policy advocacy from within the sector.

About the In Conversation series

Hosted by the National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse (the National Centre), our In Conversation series brings together experts from research, law, policy and practice to explore how we can work together to reduce, eliminate and respond to child sexual abuse so that victims and survivors are believed and supported to heal and recover.

About the National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse

The National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse (the National Centre) is a partnership between three respected organisations — the Australian Childhood Foundation, Blue Knot Foundation and the Healing Foundation. Established in late 2021, following a recommendation by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, the National Centre commissions critical research, builds the capability of workers and organisations and raises community awareness to reduce stigma. Central to this work is elevating the voices of victims and survivors of all ages, life stages and communities.