Sexual Abuse in Religious Contexts
Program and Abstract Book (final)

This two day workshop will bring together experts from a range of disciplines: psychiatry, psychology, philosophy, ethics, law, theology, indigenous studies, religious studies and social sciences, together with representatives from faith groups and from survivor and advocacy organisations - to bring about a dialogue on the issue of sexual abuse and exploitaton in religious contexts.

Of particular focus will be: the psychological/psychiatric and spiritual sequelae of abuse; the impact and damage on the victims and on the institutions and organisations that may be held accountable. This forum will provide a unique meeting of many perspectives, voices and disciplines and hopefully will enrich the perspectives and the work of those who seek ways forward for individuals and for institutions.

Objectives

The issue of sexual abuse by clergy has seen much publicity over the last decades, abuses are still coming to light and litigation continues, but there have been few dedicated yet multidisciplinary conferences of this sort in Australia. Research in the area is burgeoning and this creates a need for interdisciplinary cross fertilization. This conference has been organised by colleagues working in psychiatry and within institutional ethics and seeks to provide a forum for an interdisciplinary and where possible interfaith community of enquiry together with the perspectives of survivor and advocacy groups to review the current state of knowledge and, hopefully, articulate some ways forward. It will extend the discussion outside of the sphere of the major or mainstream institutions as to take into account the religious plurality that is a fact of life in modern society. Thus, the conference has been organised along broadly interdisciplinary lines whilst also reaching out for contributions either from or relating to a plurality of faith groups..

RANZCP CPD
Program Time spent in this activity can be claimed in the CPD Program. As the Program is hours-based a log of sessions attended and evidence of registration is required.
The Australian Psychological Society Ltd Endorsed Professional Development Activity
14 points (Generalist)

Speakers

Dr Gary Schoener Director, Walk-In Counseling Center, Minnesota
Prof Marrion Maddox Director, CRSI, University of Macquarie, NSWMs
Rachael Kohn ABC RadioEmeritus
Prof Freda Briggs, AO Child Development, University of South Australia
Prof Carolyn Quadrio Psychiatry, University of NSW
Prof Warwick Middleton Psychiatry, University of Queensland
Prof Peter Jonkers Catholic Theology, University of Tilburg
Dr Ray Younis Philosophy, University of Central Queensland
Prof Chris Goddard National Research Centre for the Prevention of Child Abuse, Monash University
Dr Andrew Morrison RFD Senior CounselDr Philip Andrew Quadrio University of New South Wales
Representatives from the faith groups and professional standardsRepresentatives from survivor and advocacy groups

Click here to download the official conference flyer