On August 18, 2024, the annual International Society of the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) conference kicked off with opening remarks by Queen Silvia, of the Swedish royal family. The queen along with several other key-note speakers and workshop presenters spoke of the horrors of child abuse and neglect and ISPCAN’s effort to eradicate all violence against children (VAC).
Over 900 people descended on the small university town of Uppsala, Sweden. 75 countries were represented with presenters who discussed topics such as The Brain and the Social World, Practice Based Knowledge, Promoting Kids and Families Participatory Rights, and so on. There were over 1000 RFP abstracts submitted with only 200 being chosen.
The four days were filled with researchers who shared their data, while others spoke of interventions and those who discussed policy. On day 2 of the conference I, along with my sister, Dr. Sophia Grant, had the honor to present a workshop titled Building Bridges: Navigating Cultural Humility for Vulnerable Youth. The room was filled with colleagues from multiple disciplines. We discussed the need for cultural humility when serving our youth. We encouraged self-reflection on one’s biases, conducted a self-assessment and asked how we can all revolutionize our workplaces and communities. I was so proud to share what we do here at Penny Lane. I spoke of the work we do, while handing out Rise Up and Erase Hate T-Shirts!
I cannot tell you how inspiring it is to be in a space filled with so much passion and commitment. Every person present is working towards one common goal . . . eradicating violence against children. Whether you are from Uganda, the Pacific Islands, Finland or the US the need to see children being children fueled each of us to want to do better and be better.
ISPCAN was the draw, but I could not overlook the beauty of Sweden. Beautiful scenery is everywhere you look. Quaint rivers filled with Lillie pads, ancient Viking Ruins, the palaces and cathedrals, museums and bridges are what make this country so amazing. We learned about the reindeer that roam the landscape, tasted traditional fish soup and we engaged in the art of Fika. While strolling Gamla Stan (Old Stockholm) I was struck by the diversity of the city.
The Kulture Festival was in full swing when we arrived. Music from around the world was being played on stages across the city. Wherever you went you heard a variety of languages spoken by both the locals and the tourists and pride flags waved as people danced in the street.
Next year ISPCAN will be heading to Lithuania, and I plan to be there! No doubt it will be another time of inspiration and collaboration as we work together to combat child abuse and neglect.
Check out some more photos below!
