Readings Bookshop

We are honoured to welcome Sonia Orchard for a conversation with journalist and author Louise Milligan, about her new book, Before the Harm: Preventing Abuse, Protecting Children, the latest in MUP's In the National Interest series.

Before the Harm starts a conversation that is long overdue: child sexual abuse is one of Australia’s most widespread and devastating public health crises, with children more exposed than ever, from the privacy of the family home to the unpoliced corners of the internet. But there is some hope in this darkest of topics: CSA is preventable, but – as Before the Harm outlines – prevention requires political courage and real investment in support programmes.

Drawing on interviews with leading voices including Jess Hill, Grace Tame and Professors Ben Mathews, Michael Salter and Daryl Higgins, alongside research and accounts from survivors and offenders, Sonia Orchard reframes one of our most confronting social issues and shows that protecting children begins long before a crime is committed.

Please note that some members of our community may find this event distressing and are advised to consider the impact of hearing more about this topic.

Free, but bookings are essential.