The Economics of Child Abuse and Neglect - A Conference

1. Child abuse and neglect are prevalent societal issues that take a colossal human toll, and related financial toll, on individuals, families, communities and society.

2. Economic factors contribute to child abuse. For example, poverty and inequality increase the risk of child neglect and physical abuse. And some industries profit from practices conducive to abuse. This is all supported (or not challenged) by prevailing economic philosophies.

3. Tackling these economic forces can help to prevent abuse, and so can various early interventions. Also timely, trauma-informed support following abuse and neglect (for victims and survivors and for their families and communities) can prevent the human and financial costs of maltreatment escalating – such as those involved in suicide and self-harm, mental health difficulties, addictions, unemployment and offending.

In recent years, MPs from across the political spectrum have recognised this reality, and now is the time to take this understanding further and put it into powerful action.

This conference brings together a brilliant range of speakers, sharing the knowledge that will help us to collectively combat the economic forces that fuel child maltreatment and instead promote those that are positive.

It is for policy-makers, practitioners, survivors, activists, academics, and indeed anyone with a passion for reducing abuse and the toll it takes. By the end of the day, delegates will have a deeper understanding of both the nature of the problem, as well as the actions that we can each and all take to tackle it.

This one day conference is brought to you by Dr Mike Peirce and Dr Elly Hanson and is supported by Porticus. Speakers include:

• Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol

• Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor of Bristol with responsibility for Children’s Services, Education & Equalities

• Darren Jones MP

• Professor Paul Bywaters and Dr Will Mason, Child Welfare Inequalities Research Group

• Dr Eleni Romanou, Research team, NSPCC, and Georgia Macqueen, Policy & Public Affairs, NSPCC

• Dr Kirsten Asmussen, Head of What Works Child Development, Early Intervention Foundation

• CEASE – The Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation

• Richard Barber, Director of Visible; formerly Operations Director of Leeds Survivor Led Crisis Service

It is on Thursday 14th July, 10:00 – 17:00 at City Hall, Bristol.

We hope to see you there!