Lily Pad Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Center hosting child abuse symposium

ALBANY — An annual child abuse symposium taking place at Albany State University West Campus in April is aiming to continue the mission of raising awareness of abuse and ensure cases can be easily prosecuted.

The fifth annual symposium, coordinated by the Lily Pad Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Center, is taking place in Room C-266 at the ASU campus located at 2400 Gillionville Road from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on April 13.

Several presentations are expected to take place, including:

— Dougherty Chief Assistant District Attorney April Wynne, who will be discussing protocol and law changes related to child abuse;

— Georgia Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Bryan Smith, on sexual assault investigation and how to relate forensic interviews to a crime scene;

— Georgia Center for Child Advocacy Forensic Director Mary Beth Nelson, on commercial sexual exploitation of children;

— Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Child Abuse Forensic Expert Dr. Stephen Messner, who will be going over the difference between child abuse and corporal punishment;

— Lily Pad Executive Director Mary Martinez, on victimology.

“The overall goal is to bring awareness to the community and educate those working in the field of law enforcement, DFCS (Department of Family and Childrens Services), victim advocacy and prosecution,” Martinez said. “(It helps learn) how to use best practices in using resources to investigate cases of sexual and physical abuse.”

Martinez said the event is catered to Southwest Georgia, and that it is encouraging it has been well embraced.

“It is important these cases are investigated and prosecuted to the best of our abilities,” she said.

The free training is being provided by the Lily Pad and Omega Xi Theta Criminal Justice Club. There will be seven hours of Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) credit awarded for Georgia POST certified law enforcement officers, as well as six continuing education hours offered through the National Association of Social Workers, Martinez said.

Among those encouraged to attend are law enforcement officers, child advocates, probation and parole officers, juvenile justice officials, DFCS, forensic interviewers, court appointed special advocates, teachers, guidance counselors, school administrators, youth group leaders, health care professionals, counselors and therapists.

A copy of the registration form is available at lilypadcenter.com/lily-pad-trainings. The form can be returned to Brittany Dees at [email protected] or via fax at (229) 435-0756.

Those seeking more information can contact the Lily Pad at (229) 435-0074.