Tasmanian Paediatric Sexual Abuse Care (PSAC) Symposium / Workshop 2025

Paediatric Sexual Abuse Care (PSAC) Symposium & Workshop 2025
Empowering Professionals, Supporting Children

This two-day event serves as a comprehensive refresher for professionals involved in the care and support of children who have experienced sexual abuse in Tasmania. It offers a valuable opportunity to update your knowledge, strengthen your practical skills, and deepen collaborative approaches to better support vulnerable children and their families.

Day 1 – Symposium (4th August 2025)

The first day will bring together medical professionals, legal experts, child safety, law enforcement professionals, and our Children's Commissioner, all committed to improving outcomes for children affected by sexual abuse. The program will focus on sharing clinical insights, understanding the services available in Tasmania, and exploring multidisciplinary responses to paediatric sexual abuse.

Topics Include

• Overview of Paediatric Sexual Abuse Care in Tasmania

• Evidence Collection / An Introduction to FMEs

• Evidence Processing - The Forensic Science behind the evidence collected (FSST)

• Overview of Sexually Transmitted Infections

• Sex Crimes Investigations (TASPOL)

• Counterintuitive Evidence in Sexual Assault Trials

• Supports offered by the Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS)

• A Multi-disciplinary Panel Discussion involving experts and representatives from Medicolegal services, Child Safety Services, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Tasmanian Children’s Commissioner

Day 2 – Workshop (5th August 2025)

The second day is a practical, hands-on workshop specifically designed for professionals involved in or interested in performing Paediatric Forensic Medical Examinations (FMEs). Activities will include performing a mock FME, preparing a medicolegal report (as a group), and participating in a mock court scenario to strengthen medico-legal skills and courtroom readiness.

Please note: This session will be capped at 25 participants. Priority will be given to paediatricians currently on the PSAC roster.

Event Details:

• Dates: 4th–5th August 2025

• Location: RHH Lecture Theatre, Level 3 (UTAS Clinical School) - G.W. Boyd Lecture Theatre (Note: Virtual attendance for Day 1 will be made available)

• Catering: Light lunch, tea, and coffee will be provided

• Cost: Free

Together, let’s strengthen our collective impact and reinforce our shared commitment to delivering the highest standard of care to children and families affected by sexual abuse.