We Say They Matter. But Do We Hear and Act with Them?
| Wednesday, November 26, 2025 |
| 1:20 PM - 1:50 PM |
Overview
Conor Pall, Deputy Chair, Victim Survivors' Advisory Council
Speaker
Conor Pall
Deputy Chair
Victim Survivors' Advisory Council
We Say They Matter. But Do We Hear and Act with Them?
Presentation Overview
Every child impacted by family violence carries a shadow, woven from their courage and resilience. Yet too often, adults and systems avert their eyes, overlooking the shadows that victim-survivors bravely share. Drawing inspiration from his book, "The Shadow that Follows," advocate, author, and survivor Conor Pall invites us to sit with the uncomfortable truth that despite our sector's promises, children and young people’s voices and experiences remain persistently undervalued and overlooked.
Conor challenges us to move beyond superficial acknowledgments of children and young people as "victims in their own right," urging practitioners and policymakers to engage with the complexities and depths of young survivors’ experiences. His keynote calls for accountability, action, and a shift in how we listen, believe, support and respond.
Attendees will be compelled to act compassionately and courageously to support every child and young person who steps out of The Shadow to share parts of their story.
Conor challenges us to move beyond superficial acknowledgments of children and young people as "victims in their own right," urging practitioners and policymakers to engage with the complexities and depths of young survivors’ experiences. His keynote calls for accountability, action, and a shift in how we listen, believe, support and respond.
Attendees will be compelled to act compassionately and courageously to support every child and young person who steps out of The Shadow to share parts of their story.
Biography
Conor Pall is a nationally recognised advocate, author, and emerging social work professional whose journey from victim-survivor to systems reformer is reshaping the way Australia listens to and supports children and young people. As Deputy Chair of the Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council, Conor brings lived expertise to the forefront of policy and practice, driving survivor-led change with courage and conviction. Conor is also the author of The Shadow that Follows - a children’s book designed to support conversations about trauma, hope, and healing. His work is a powerful reminder that no child should ever be left to navigate the shadow of violence alone.
