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Find us at ISPCAN 2026

The Institute of Child Protection Studies is proud to present our research at this year’s International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect (ISPCAN) Congress.

ISPCAN brings together leading voices and experts from across sectors to discuss key issues, innovate and share best practices regarding child protection on an international stage. Our Director Prof Daryl Higgins has contributed to the extensive scientific program as a member of the ISPCAN Public Health Advisory Board. His expertise in child protection is ever present in the numerous conference presentations that are based on published papers he has co-authored.

Our Deputy Director Professor Tim Moore, known for his extensive experience in engaging children in research, is contributing to the youth stream: Changing the conversation with young survivors; and Dr Gabrielle Hunt, Douglas Russell and Dhatsayini Rattambige are addressing the theme: Preventing and responding to abuse, neglect and exploitation within families, communities and institutions.

Conference presentations Monday 24 August

Prof Tim Moore
Meeting Room 103, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
👉 Changing the Conversation: Young Survivors' Insights on Trauma-Informed Sexual Health Education
👉 Nothing About Us Without Us: Principles for Ethical Co-Design with Young Survivors

Dr Gabrielle Hunt
Eureka Room 1, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
👉 Safeguarding in religious organisations: Prevalence of child sexual abuse and perspectives from Australian religious leaders

Symposium Monday 24 August

Douglas Russell
Meeting Room 109, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
👉 Navigating risk and responsibility: Technology-facilitated harm among autistic adolescents, with Carol Ronken (Bravehearts), Lauren Elston (eSafety Commissioner), Sarah Petering (AMAZE)

Conference presentations Tuesday 25 August

Douglas Russell
Meeting Room 110, 10:30 am - 10:50 am
👉 Australian children who feel safer and more supported report fewer difficulties and more prosocial behaviour

Dr Lottie Harris
Meeting Room 104, 11:30 am - 11:50 am
👉 Is OOHC an independent risk factor for mental health disorders across the lifespan?

Poster presentation

Dhatsayini Rattambige, P039
👉 Building protective school environments: School connectedness and school environment as pathways linking childhood adversity to alcohol expectancies

If you are at the conference, do come up to our speakers and other ICPS staff to chat about your work and ask any questions.

Visit Melbourne ISPCAN Congress website