Sexual violence conference
On Thursday 8 September, the Forensic Psychological Services at Middlesex University hosted its inaugural one day conference on sexual violence. The conference brought together over 120 key practitioners, leading strategists, policy makers and academics working in this field from around the world. During the conference four keynotes, four debate sessions, 31 papers and 12 posters were presented. For a full breakdown of the day see the conference programme, and to see the abstracts and a selection of the full papers and posters see the presentations page.
The keynote speakers were:
- Professor Moira Carmody from the Centre for Educational Research at the University of Western Sydney;
- Professor Derek Perkins, a Consultant Clinical and Forensic Psychologist and the Head of Psychological Services for the forensic services of West London Mental Health NHS Trust, including Broadmoor Hospital;
- Professor Betsy Stanko, Head of Strategy of the Research and Analysis Unit, Strategy and Improvement Department, Directorate of Resources, at the London Metropolitan Police Service
- Dr Karen Franklin a forensic psychologist in independent practice in the San Francisco Bay Area, an adjunct professor at Alliant International University.
We also invited the London-based feminist artist, Alex Brew, to present work in response to the conference theme. This took the form of a video installation, entitled "Not for the faint hearted", in the main lecture theatre, and provoked much discussion.
On Friday, 9 September, we hosted a half-day masterclass with Professor Moira Carmody about the Sex and Ethics Violence Prevention Program that she developed in Australia, an approach which has also been adopted in New Zealand. It is currently being used in an innovative public health campaign to combat an expected rise in sexual assaults during the Rugby World Cup.
An eight-minute video, "whoareyou" highlights the idea that everyone is responsible for the safety of those around them. Also, during the masterclass there was discussion of how the program addresses best practice principles of violence prevention education, and how the program has been refined since its inception to meet the needs of local and diverse communities. The class concluded with a discussion of the policy and practice implications for sexual violence prevention in the UK.
2011 Sexual Violence Conference in the media
Experts gather at Middlesex University Hendon campus to discuss rise in sexual crime (Hendon Times series, 12 Sep 2011)
Brick Wall Blocking Progress on Sexual Violence Prevention: Shift from punishment to primary prevention (Witness Blog, 21 Sep, 2011 by Karen Franklin, Ph.D)
What is next?
The 2011 Sexual Violence Conference organisers are planning to bring the Sex and Ethics Violence Prevention Programme to the UK. For more information please, contact Miranda Horvath.
Future events
The 2011 Sexual Violence conference organisers are running seminars with British Psychological Society on the psychology of sexual violence and sexual violence prevention. Details of these seminars will be posted as soon as they're avaliable.
Call for Papers
Buckinghamshire New University invites proposals for papers, debate papers and posters addressing topics in children’s safeguarding. For more information download the Children's Safeguarding Conference flyer.
Book Launch
The Handbook on Sexual Violence edited by Jennifer Brown and Sandra Walklate will be launched on 12th December, 6pm -8 pm. for more details download the event flyer.
Study day
Researching the taboo, the sensitive and the vulnerable, 18th November, 10am - 5pm, Buckinghamshire New University, High Wycombe campus. For more details download the event flyer.
Useful links
Persons Against Non-State Torture
Child & Woman Abuse Studies Unit
