This training session is for all those working/volunteering with children in Waltham Forest.
Training Session Description:
This session explores the critical findings of the November 2024 thematic review Protecting children and responding to child sexual abuse within the family environment, which examined how professionals can better identify and respond to child sexual abuse within the family environment. Through interactive discussions and case studies, the session aims to foster a deeper understanding and commitment to protecting children from sexual abuse within familial settings.
Aims:
- Enhance Recognition: To deepen understanding of the complexities surrounding intrafamilial child sexual abuse (CSA) and the systemic challenges that hinder its identification.
- Amplify Children's Voices: To emphasize the importance of actively listening to and validating children's disclosures, ensuring their experiences are central to safeguarding responses.
- Strengthen Professional Confidence: To build practitioners' confidence in addressing sensitive issues related to CSA within familial settings, promoting proactive and informed interventions.
- Promote Reflective Practice: To encourage critical self-reflection on personal biases and systemic factors that may influence professional judgments and actions.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify key indicators and subtle signs of intrafamilial child sexual abuse, recognizing the nuanced ways abuse can manifest within family dynamics.
- Understand the barriers children face in disclosing abuse, including feelings of shame, fear, and loyalty conflicts, and how these impact their willingness to seek help.
- Analyze how professional discomfort, systemic silences, and cultural factors can contribute to missed opportunities in safeguarding children.
- Apply strategies for creating safe environments that encourage children to share their experiences, ensuring their voices are heard and acted upon.
- Reflect on personal and organizational practices, identifying areas for improvement to better support and protect children at risk of intrafamilial sexual abuse.
Please note that this is an in person event and will be delivered in London Borough of Waltham Forest, Town Hall, Council Chambers, Forest Road, London, E17 4JF.