Forum seeks solutions to end child sexual abuse

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Supporting victims will be the focus of Albertans’ contributions to the first Child Sexual Abuse Forum:

Local and national experts are joining together with Albertans to share information that will shape the priorities of a Comprehensive Action Plan on Child Sexual Abuse and Alberta’s first sexual violence prevention framework, in Calgary today. Many others are participating online.

The forum focuses on issues related to the rural response, the justice system response and child sexual abuse in ethno-cultural communities. Representatives from Alberta’s child advocacy centres are also presenting on their collaborative model that helps victims get the services they need.

“Child sexual abuse continues to be a difficult topic to talk about and often goes underreported. It’s imperative we start creating a dialogue and change the culture of fear and shame that can prevent victims from seeking help. As a society, we must all work together and strive to end the exploitation of vulnerable children.”

Manmeet S. Bhullar, Minister of Human Services
The forum is co-chaired by Danielle Aubry, Executive Director, Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse and Sheldon Kennedy of the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre.

“Child victims need the best care that we as a society can give them and all sectors, from child and family services, to justice and health care – all need to be involved and coordinated. This forum is the next important step in improving our multidisciplinary response to child sexual abuse.”

Sheldon Kennedy, Child Advocate
The forum supports the five-point plan, announced in January, to take action to support vulnerable families, improve the child intervention system and keep children healthy and safe.

Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta’s resources to ensure we’re able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.