This session follows survivor Melanie’s journey through the CAC and court process, showing how forensic interviewing and MDT support helped her find her voice and begin healing. Drawing on two decades of recovery and advocacy, she offers a firsthand perspective on the lasting impact of coordinated, survivor-centered practice.

Darkest Before Dawn cuts through the unrelenting challenges of child abuse work—online exploitation, AI-driven threats, strained systems—to show what’s actually shifting and why hope is warranted. It delivers grounded strategies, systemic clarity, and practical steps to move child advocacy from perpetual crisis toward lasting impact.

Religious or spiritual themes are often weaponized by perpetrators to justify the abuse of children, and are invoked to avoid accountability and consolidate power within faith communities. This workshop provides best practices, recent trends, and practical tips and corroboration strategies for MDTs to navigate these issues.