Free Conference - Understanding the big picture so we are better equipped to prevent maltreatment & its impact

Child abuse and neglect are prevalent societal issues that take a colossal toll on individuals, families and the wider community. One in four UK young adults report severe maltreatment in their childhood.

An understanding of the economics involved will enable us to more effectively stop this maltreatment, reduce its impact, and in the process, make significant cost savings. Governments, commissioners and funders are much more likely to change policy and/or fund services and support if there is an economic case.

This one-day conference, organised by the Southmead Project, Acts Fast and Dr Elly Hanson, and in collaboration with Bournemouth University, aims to bring researchers, practitioners, survivors, activists, and policy-makers together to learn, share, and shape ethical economic decision-making on this issue. As this is both a huge topic and task, the aspiration is that this event will be the first in a series.

It will explore those economic factors that contribute to the occurrence of child abuse and neglect (such as economic inequality, and certain industries profiting from practice and messages that are conducive to abuse). And it will also look at how timely support and intervention both during and following abuse and neglect (for victims and survivors and for their families and communities) can prevent the human and financial costs of maltreatment escalating.