Melbourne Summit Brings Global Experts to Tackle Sexual Violence
By Harry Taruva — More than 400 experts, researchers and survivor advocates are gathering in Melbourne for a three-day international summit examining sexual violence, technology-facilitated abuse, prevention and support for survivors.
Harry Taruva 
Melbourne — More than 400 international experts, researchers, survivor advocates and policymakers are gathering in Melbourne for a three-day summit examining the growing challenges of sexual violence and the measures needed to strengthen prevention and support for survivors.
The inaugural International Freedom from Sexual Violence Summit, hosted by Sexual Assault Services Victoria (SASVic), runs from Wednesday, November 4 to Friday, November 6 at Pullman Melbourne Albert Park, bringing together more than 100 speakers from Australia and overseas.
The event has attracted enough interest to sell out, reflecting growing attention to sexual violence and demands for governments, institutions and communities to strengthen their responses.
SASVic Chief Executive, Kathleen Maltzahn, said emerging technologies and online platforms were creating additional challenges for efforts to prevent sexual abuse, harassment and exploitation.
“Pornography, the manosphere, AI, social media, the ability to stalk and harass victims online, these are huge challenges on top of already increasing sexual violence in our community,” Maltzahn said.
She also raised concerns about inadequate funding for specialist sexual assault services and what she described as a longstanding failure to prioritise survivors in institutional responses.
The summit will examine sexual violence across several settings, including the justice system, schools, workplaces and public spaces, with particular attention to preventing harm to children and young people.
Discussions will also address technology-facilitated abuse, the experiences of older women and people with disabilities, and responses within First Nations, multicultural and LGBTQIA+ communities.
A central focus will be how research, survivor experiences and advocacy can translate into practical interventions, stronger institutional accountability and more effective support services.
The international line-up includes Professor Fiona Vera-Gray of London Metropolitan University and Professor Carlene Firmin of Durham University, both from the United Kingdom.
Australian contributors include survivor advocate Dassi Erlich, gendered violence and workplace harassment advocate Brittany Higgins, Curtin University associate professor and Kurin Minang human rights expert Hannah McGlade, and University of New South Wales Professor Michael Salter.
Actor, author and advocate, Madeleine West, will serve as master of ceremonies.
The gathering comes amid wider international discussions about the impact of digital technologies, institutional responses to sexual abuse and the need to strengthen prevention measures.
SASVic represents Victoria's 19 specialist sexual assault services and advocates for the rights, recovery and respect of survivors and others affected by sexual violence.
