Child sexual exploitation and abuse – it is appalling and the rates are rising, but they don’t have to.

Join us for a discussion on the reality of child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA), trafficking, and the reforms we can make to protect children in New Zealand and the Pacific.

In 2022, UK based not-for profit organisation It’s a Penalty published its landmark CommonProtect report on CSEA across 21 Commonwealth countries. The CommonProtect report found that whilst positive steps have been taken across the Commonwealth, it is clear that much more needs to be done to end impunity for CSEA, improve access to justice for child survivors, and ensure every child in the Commonwealth can live a life free from sexual exploitation, trafficking and abuse.

To continue the discussions raised in the CommonProtect report, ACAMS and KPMG will be joined by a representative of 'It's a Penalty' to host a panel discussion and networking event. The panel will discuss the CommonProtect report and consequences within the Commonwealth including: the growing rates of CSEA offending within NZ and the Pacific, the work being undertaken to detect, prevent and prosecute these crimes, growing trends and how collaboration across sectors, including financial services, can assist in protecting our children.

The expert panel will include:

- Law Enforcement working in child sexual abuse and exploitation;

- Jane Searle, CEO of child abuse prevention organisation Child Matters;

- Rebekah Armstrong, Head of Advocacy and Justice World Vision NZ; and

- Gemma Livingston, Director, Human Rights & Social Impact, KPMG - Moderator

We are all stakeholders when it comes to protecting our children, and we hope you can join us for this very important discussion.