Voices for the Voiceless Children Crimes Conference Begins in Dallas with Global Participation

A Global Gathering Focused on Protecting Children from Abuse and Exploitation

Downtown Dallas has become the center of a powerful movement as the annual Crimes Against Children Conference opens its doors once again. Held at the Sheraton in Downtown Dallas, this week-long event has grown to become the largest conference of its kind, attracting professionals and experts from all 50 U.S. states and over 20 countries.

Bringing together a diverse group of law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, educators, child advocates, and representatives from technology companies, the event is a collaborative effort to combat crimes against children — including abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.

Survivor-Turned-Advocate Shares Her Journey

Among the many speakers this year is Jenna Quinn, a survivor of child sexual abuse and the driving force behind Jenna's Law, which was enacted in 2009. This groundbreaking legislation mandates sexual abuse prevention training in schools and was recently expanded to include sex trafficking awareness.

“I experienced the services of the Children's Advocacy Center,” Jenna shared during her address. “It was not just about healing me as a victim, but about bringing hope and strength to my entire family.”

By recounting her personal journey, Jenna aims to inspire professionals working tirelessly to protect vulnerable children. She also sheds light on the often-unspoken barriers faced by young victims.

“It’s incredibly hard for students or youth to report abuse,” she said. “There’s a silence around sexual abuse — a fear and shame that makes it nearly impossible for them to speak up.”

Uniting Forces to Prevent Crimes Against Children

Throughout the week, the conference will feature an extensive lineup of workshops, expert panels, and case-based training sessions. These aim to equip attendees with the latest tools, research, and strategies for identifying, preventing, and responding to child abuse and exploitation.

Participants include detectives, forensic interviewers, school counselors, technology experts, and legal professionals — all working with a shared mission: to create safer environments for children.

A Platform for Hope and Action

The Crimes Against Children Conference serves as more than just a training ground; it is a space of empowerment, collaboration, and healing. By bringing survivors like Jenna Quinn to the forefront, the event puts a human face to the statistics — reminding everyone in attendance why this work matters.

As the conference unfolds over the coming days, it continues to build a united front against one of the most pressing issues facing societies across the world — the protection of children from harm.