Conferences
Child Sexual Abuse: The female offender
Keynote Speaker - Jacqui Saradjian
In September 1997, she was making her first court appearance and I remember the first time I saw her I was immediately flabbergasted because she looked so innocent. She was so slight, small in her build, and so young, and I thought, 'she can't be a sex offender, it's impossible.
Reporter Cheryl Jahn, speaking on CTV about convicted child sexual offender Crystal Henricks
Not only men
The last 20 years has seen a dramatic shift in attitudes and beliefs regarding the prevalence of the sexual abuse of children, however, tackling female sex offenders remains an area that is still met with incredulity by professionals and poorly represented in the media.
Given the traditional view of women as carers, nurturers and protectors, the idea of women who sexually offend against children is sometimes too difficult for most to comprehend.
The gender agenda
Why do women sexually abuse children? Are they simply enablers for male co-abusers or do they act alone? What are the key differences between male and female sexual offending? How dangerous are female offenders and how can we manage them in the community?
This new conference asks you to suspend your disbelief - to accept that these awful crimes against children are committed by women, to understand how they are committed, to recognise offending patterns, examine how female offenders respond to treatment programmes and gain an insight into the emotional and psychological impact these crimes have upon the victims.
This conference aims to examine the unique challenges faced by professionals when confronted by women who sexually offend against children. It will create an opportunity for professionals to learn from the experience of others and share their own experiences.
If you work in child abuse investigation, child protection, public protection, victim care or are involved in the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders, understanding the nature of female sexual offending is essential.
Benefits to the delegate
Delegates will gain the following from this conference:
- An overview of the characteristics of abuse perpetrated by women;
- An understanding of the distinctiveness in investigating female sexual abuse;
- An understanding of the prevalence of child sexual abuse by women and the issues surrounding disclosure of abuse;
- An insight into the impact of female sexual abuse on their victims;
- A view of the treatment programmes available to female offenders, examining their effectiveness in preventing re-offending;
- An understanding of the issues surrounding the management of female sex offenders in the community.
Who should attend?
- Work in law enforcement, government and non-governmental organisations who deal with matters arising from child sexual abuse;
- Come into contact with sex offenders in a professional capacity;
- Conduct criminal investigations where the sexual abuse of children is a factor;
- Manage offenders in the community or within the justice system;
- Take responsibility for safeguarding children from sexual predators;
- Academics with a proven research background in the field of sexual abuse.
Key Note Speaker
Jacqui Saradjian, Clinical Director, Dangerous and Serious Personality Disorder (DSPD) Unit, White Moor Prison
Jacqui Saradjian is a clinical pyschologist currently employed at White Moor Prison on the Dangerous and Serious Personality Disorder Unit. Jacqui has researched and worked with both male and female sex offenders for the last eight years, she has to date, interviewed over 50 female offenders. Jacqui is the author of a number of books including Women who Sexually Abuse Children: From Research to Clinical Practice.
- Conference Date and Location
- Due to popular demand a new 2009 date will be announced
Please note: This conference is intended for professionals who work in the field of child protection, law enforcement and offender treatment and management. Because of the sensitive nature of this conference, places will only be offered to professionals who can meet these criteria.
If you would like any further information on this conference, view leaflet or click here to contact us.
Make a booking
To make a booking click on the conference date above and complete the online form. Our Training Team will contact you to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation policy
If it is necessary to cancel a booking CEOP require 5 working days notification by email to training@ceop.gov.uk. Failure to notify CEOP within this time will result in full payment being requested.
CEOP appreciate that work commitments can necessitate late alterations, any instance later than 5 working days will be considered by Head of Training at CEOP.