It is the first time in ISPCAN history, an Arab regional conference with the main theme "Violence against Children, Breaking the silence… Strengthening responses" was held in Amman Jordan on 23-25 February 2004. Its main objectives were: 

1.      Examine the extent and patterns of the problem of Child Abuse and Neglect in the Arab World.

2.      Explore the Cultural Implications for Child Protection.

3.      Explore the various aspects of the problem: detection; management; and prevention at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

4.      Promote the multi-disciplinary approach to management of Child Abuse cases.

5.      Encourage a positive response of professionals to "UN Organizations" protocols, guidelines, and studies that deals with combating Violence against Children.

6.      Establishment of "The Arab Professionals Network for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect".

In order to achieve the above objectives:

1.      The conference tackled the following topics:

1.1.   Child Abuse and Neglect , Does it exist in the Arab Countries?

1.2.   Primary, secondary, and tertiary  Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.

1.3.   Detection and Management of Child Abuse and Neglect, a multi-disciplinary approach.

1.4.   The Implications of Culture for Child Protection.

2.       During the conference, three workshops were organized for advanced training for medical professionals and one interdisciplinary training workshop on management of child abuse cases.

3.      A concept paper was drafted about the establishment of  "The Arab  Professionals Network for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect"  with the following objectives.

3.1.    Build and expand local capacity within each Arab country to provide training and educational support to professionals working in the area of child abuse and neglect.

3.2.   Ensure the sustainability of professional and training resources within each Arab country.

Organizing Committee

 Organizers and Partners

The International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect

National Council of Family Affairs. Jordan

Jordan River Foundation

National Center for Human Rights. Jordan

Jordanian Society for Protecting Victims of Family Violence

Family Protection Unit Public Security Department

United Nations Children’s Fund

World Health Organization

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

British Council

Liverpool John Moores University, England