International Research-Based Symposium on Internet-Based Child Pornography

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will use its FY 08 Solicited Award to host an international research-based symposium addressing the scope of internet-based child pornography, its impact on child victims and computer users, and consensus recommendations for intervention and prevention. Participants will include Ministers of Justice of the G8 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America) as well as international experts in the areas of applied psychology, criminal justice, sexual behavior, and other social sciences. Approximately 50 participants will be invited to attend the 2.5 day symposium, which will include focused discussions on the role of the internet in increased prevalence of inappropriate user sexual behaviors as well as negative victim outcomes. The dynamics of family and community responses, intervention strategies, and prevention measures will also be reviewed.

A published document outlining the consensus of findings as well as recommendations concerning protection and prevention will be developed and disseminated to representatives of each G8 country's judicial system, legislators, policy makers, mental health specialists, medical practitioners, and law enforcement professionals. Funds will be used for the logistics of hosting the symposium, including supplies, equipment, room rentals, and consultants.

NCA/NCF