Global Symposium for Examining the Relationship between Online and Offline Offenses and Preventing the Sexual Exploitation of Children

On April 5 -7, 2009, the University of North Carolina Injury Prevention Research Center hosted a Global Symposium for Examining the Relationship between Online and Offline Offenses and Preventing the Sexual Exploitation of Children.

This three-day meeting brought together leading research scientists, practitioners and policy makers from around the world to address the scope of child sexual abuse and exploitative practices both online and offline and to identify strategies for protecting children in online and offline environments. Participants included experts in the areas of criminal justice, applied psychology and policy from the G8 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, UK, US) and beyond. Approximately 50 individuals participated in the two-day event which included focused discussions on the context within which child sexual abuse and exploitative practices occur, assessment and measurement of risk both online and offline, and strategies for protecting children. A published document outlining the consensus of findings as well as recommendations concerning protection and prevention will be developed and disseminated as an outgrowth of the meeting.

Support for the Global Symposium is provided by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice under project number 2008-IP-BX-0301.