Calgary hosts international anti-child abuse, neglect conference

FormerFlames hockey playerSheldon Kennedy gavea keynote speech to the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect conference in Calgary on Monday.

It's the first time in 30 years it has been held in Canada.

"You see 42 countries coming together to have a broad conversation about an issue that we could clear kitchens with many years ago," said Kennedy, who is known for his advocacy work with victims of child abuse.

"My biggest messageis challenge yourselves to work together and really understand the true impact of this crime."

Kennedy says he's been receiving feedback from people around the world about howCalgary's approach in the fight againstchild abuse is "leading the way."

One example he gave was thefront-line sensitivity training in place with Tsuut'ina Nation near Calgary.

Another is theSheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre, formerly called the Calgary Child Advocacy Centre, a not-for-profit organization located on the University of Calgary campusthathelps victims of child abuse.

"We're pretty darn lucky here," Kennedysaid.

"Canada is the only country in the world with trauma and child abuse is under the health portfolio," he said.

• Sheldon Kennedy centre for abuse victims opens in Calgary

Message of 'hope and solution'

Kennedy's story is well-known.

He was sexually assaulted by his former hockey coach Graham James, anexperience he shared Monday with experts and delegates from around the world.

"I think our message today is really about hope and solution, but that just doesn't happen with telling your story,"

ISPCAN president Joan van Niekerksays the conference gives delegates the latest thinking, science and research on child abuse and its impacts.

"What we want is people to leave here to go back into their workplaces with a better understanding of the work they have to do."

Van Niekerkalso said the conference offers a good networking opportunity for those who work with closely with young people.

"When you are working all the time with children who've been harmed, it impacts on you emotionally."

Nearly 1,500delegates are attending the event,which runs until Wednesday.

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