Keep Kids Safe

Virtual Conference 2024

FREE

November 7-8, 2024

Online Zoom Meeting

Zoom link for each day in Agenda below.

Two Day Sexual Abuse Prevention Virtual Conference for Faith Communities

Join us as experts in child sexual abuse prevention within faith-based organizations provide insight into the reality and impact of child sexual abuse — it’s a widespread problem affecting 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys.

During this conference, you’ll learn how to:

Identify signs of sexual abuse in children, so you or church staff can intervene
Talk to a child you suspect is being abused
Report abuse to recommended agencies if you’re a mandated reporter
Conduct comprehensive background checks on any staff working with children
Work with & counsel victims that have already been abused

As this is a virtual event, please register so you can receive an email with the materials covered during this conference!

register

November 07, 2024

November 08, 2024

Agenda & Times: (Eastern Time)

Day 1 - Zoom Link
- 8:25-8:30 AM– Welcome: Catherine Wilson, Executive Director, Stop Trafficking US
- 8:30-8:45 AM – Welcome and Introductions – Victor Vieth, J.D., M.A., Chief Program Officer and Director Center for Faith and Child Protection, Zero Abuse Project
- 8:45-10:00 AM - When Faith Hurts: Recognizing and responding to the physical, emotional, and spiritual impact of child abuse.
- 10:00-10:15 AM – Break
- 10:15-12:00 PM – When Faith Hurts (cont)
- 12:00-1:00 PM – Lunch
- 1:00-2:00 PM – When Faith Hurts (cont)
- 2:05-2:15 PM – Break
- 2:15-3:45 PM – Small Group Exercises – Addressing Spiritual Injuries
- 3:45-5:00 PM – Understanding and Responding to the Sexual Behaviors of Children
This workshop details normal and abnormal sexual behaviors of youth and offers concrete recommendations for treatment and other services for children with sexual behavior problems. How a child who has offended against others can be integrated back into a family or group setting, and when, will also be discussed.

Agenda & Times: (Eastern Time)

Day 2 - Zoom Link
- 8:30-10:15 AM – From Sticks to Flowers: Working with Parents Justifying Corporal Punishment with Scripture
- 10:15-10:30 AM – Break
- 10:30-12:00 AM – Responding to a Crisis
- 12:00-12:15 PM – Q & A, Discussion, Wrap-Up

Meet the Guest Speakers

Victor Vieth, JD, MA, is the Chief Program Officer for Education & Research for Zero Abuse Project. He is a former child abuse prosecutor who received national recognition for his work addressing child abuse in rural communities. He went on to serve as Director of the National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse. Mr. Vieth spearheaded the implementation of 22 state and international forensic interviewing courses. Mr. Vieth was also instrumental in developing Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) undergraduate and graduate programs now implemented in more than 90 colleges, universities, law schools, medical schools and seminaries in 30 states.

Mr. Vieth is a founding board member of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) as well as Sacred Spaces, which partners with Jewish institutions to prevent and respond to violence across the lifespan. Mr. Vieth developed the concept of Children’s Advocacy Center Chaplains and has assisted six accredited CACs in four states implement chaplaincy programs to address the spiritual needs of survivors of abuse. He also designed and teaches a seminary course on child abuse at Lutheran seminaries in Iowa and Pennsylvania.

Mr. Vieth has published numerous scholarly articles related to the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of child abuse and neglect. He is the author of “Unto the Third Generation,” an initiative outlining the necessary steps to eliminate child abuse in the United States within three generations. Mr. Vieth is also a prolific trainer who has taught thousands of child protection professionals from all 50 states and numerous countries.

Mr. Vieth has received numerous awards including the Victim Rights Legend Award from the United States Department of Justice, the Pro Humanitate Award from the North American Resource Center for Child Welfare, the Heritage Service Award from the National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence (NPEIV), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Institute on Violence, Abuse & Trauma (IVAT).

Mr. Vieth has served on the board of directors of the National Children’s Alliance, the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC), the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, and is past president and board chair of the Academy on Violence & Abuse (AVA).

Mr.Vieth holds degrees from Winona State University, Hamline University School of Law, and Wartburg Theological Seminary. His seminary thesis received highest honors and was later published as a book entitled On this Rock: A Call to Center the Christian Response to Child Abuse on the Life and Words of Jesus.