Reflections from the International Conference on Child Sexual Abuse Prevention in Manila
On October 17, 2024, I had the honour of serving as a plenary speaker at the MAGING SOLUSYON conference, hosted by the Center for the Prevention & Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse (CPTCSA) in Manila. The event brought together around 200 participants, including social workers, child protection activists, teachers, psychologists, and other professionals dedicated to safeguarding children from abuse and exploitation.
I conducted a plenary session focusing on paraphilias, particularly pedophilia and hebephilia, to contextualise their role in child sexual abuse prevention. The session explored:
- The different aspects of sexuality
- Understanding paraphilias with a focus on pedophilia and hebephilia
- Strategies to help individuals with a sexual interest in children meet their sexual needs without harming children
The conference provided a dynamic platform for discussions on emerging challenges and effective strategies in child sexual abuse prevention. The audience was highly engaged, contributing insightful perspectives that underscored the complexity of this issue. Many participants were deeply invested in shaping policies and interventions that address both victim support and preventive measures at a systemic level.
Audience Feedback and Reflections
“The seminar was truly impactful, addressing a topic of great significance, especially within the context of the social work profession. The discussion was both timely and essential, shedding light on key issues that require our focus.” – Seminar Participant
Key Takeaways: A Holistic Approach to Child Protection
A key focus of my plenary session was the work of Don’t Offend India and how it builds upon insights from the Prevention Project Dunkelfeld. A crucial theme that emerged from the discussion was the integration of causer-related prevention into broader child protection policies. This perspective highlights the need for a comprehensive, multi-pathway approach that addresses various dimensions of child safety and abuse prevention. One of the most critical discussions at the conference centred on the necessity of embedding prevention strategies into national child protection frameworks. Traditional approaches often focus solely on post-abuse interventions, but a preventive, evidence-based, and multidisciplinary strategy is crucial for long-term change.
Moving Forward: Collaboration and Action
Overall, this conference reaffirmed that child sexual abuse prevention must be a collective effort, engaging governments, NGOs, healthcare professionals, educators, and communities. Collaboration across sectors is key to driving systemic change and ensuring that prevention strategies are not only developed but also implemented effectively.
As I reflect on this enriching experience, I look forward to continuing these conversations and strengthening partnerships to advance child safety globally. If you are working in this space and would like to collaborate, please feel free to connect with ACT Against Child Abuse to discuss opportunities. Together, we can build a world where every child is protected, supported, and empowered.
