Prevalence of Child Maltreatment & Abuse
Gain valuable insights into the prevalence and underlying dynamics of child maltreatment, including sexual and institutional abuse.
Historical Abuse: A Population-Based View
Event held in...
Date:
19 August, 2025
Venue:
Blackbird Bar, Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle St, Brisbane City, QLD, 4000
Time:
05:30 PM to 9:00 pm
About the event
Join us for an engaging evening exploring medico-legal evaluation in matters involving historical child abuse, trauma-informed care, and population-level impacts on health and justice outcomes. Presented by Dr Ben Duke, Consultant Psychiatrist, along with a panel discussion facilitated by A/Prof Michael Robertson, Chief Psychiatrist, featuring Ms Nancy Stephenson, Occupational Therapist and Ms Alexandra Marks, Barrister.
In this session, we will address the key findings of the study with a focus on the impact of sexual and institutional abuse involving children.
This event is ideal for legal professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of medico-legal evaluations in cases involving abuse and child maltreatment, as well as the associated risks and impacts of mental illness.
Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your knowledge and join the conversation!
Register your attendance
Event features
Attend to experience our high-level programme of speakers & join us for a lively post-conference networking event.
Risk & Prevalence of Mental Disorders
Gain an understanding of the prevalence of mental disorders among individuals exposed to various forms of abuse, as well as the associated risks stemming from such exposure.
Integrating Medical and Legal Perspectives
Explore evidence-based approaches to addressing maltreatment, abuse, and the associated economic burden in medico-legal contexts.
Our speakers
Dr Ben Duke
Consultant Psychiatrist, Medilaw & MindSense
Dr Ben Duke is a Consultant Psychiatrist with additional qualifications in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry, Health Administration, and Public Health. He has been in private practice since 2012 and currently serves as a Clinical Director. Dr Duke has also held consultant roles at major hospitals across Queensland. His clinical interests include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, and adjustment disorders, with a particular focus on psychiatry in the medically unwell.
Ms Nancy Stephenson
Occupational Therapist, ASSESS & MindSense
Ms Nancy Stephenson is an Occupational Therapist with over 30 years of experience, including more than 15 years in medicolegal assessments. She specialises in functional capacity, vocational, and disability assessments, with particular expertise in complex and catastrophic injuries, and is an experienced expert witness. Her background includes extensive work in occupational rehabilitation, where she has conducted functional capacity assessments, performed worksite visits, designed return-to-work programs, and managed injured worker cases. Ms Stephenson has been in private practice for many years and has consulted to industry, Comcare, WorkCover Queensland, insurers, the Department of Defence, individuals, and private organisations.
Ms Alexandra Marks
Barrister, Clashfern Chambers
Alexandra Marks is a highly experienced Barrister-at-Law based in Queensland, Australia, with a distinguished career in litigation spanning over three decades. She has practiced law since 1992, working across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. Alexandra is a member of Clashfern Chambers in Brisbane and is known for her expertise in complex litigation matters. Her practice encompasses a broad range of legal areas, and she is recognised for her meticulous preparation and strong advocacy skills. Alexandra is frequently sought after for her ability to navigate challenging legal issues and provide clear, strategic advice to her clients. Alexandra’s reputation is built on her commitment to excellence, depth of legal knowledge, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for her clients in Queensland and beyond.
