I do mental health research as a criminologist because of the link between mental wellbeing and criminal justice for traumatised people. The more healthy and robust survivors out there, the more pressure on the system to address their needs and rights.

One of the reasons that the most severe forms of child abuse are the least likely to be prosecuted is because of the psychological injuries to the child.

The justice system interprets those injuries as marks against the credibility of the victim, granting de facto impunity to the most serious abusers. We can and should advocate for law reform. But we can also advocate for the rights of survivors to heal from those injuries.

There is no substitute for the voice of survivors in terms of social & political impact. But we can't expect survivors to undertake kamikaze missions into a hostile legal system or media spotlight. Appropriate mental health care is a critical part of the support structure.

We had to cancel the @ISSTD Annual Conference due to #COVID19. But we are thrilled to announce our first ever Virtual Congress from May 15 - 17. Information below or at: https://www.isst-d.org/training-and-conferences/upcoming-conferences/2020-virtual-congress/