OM DENNE EPISODE
In this episode of the Forensic Update Podcast, we're joined by David Prescott, internationally respected mental health practitioner, educator and author with more than 40 years of experience working in the field of sexual violence prevention, trauma and rehabilitation.
David reflects on how forensic practice has evolved over the decades, from simplistic explanations of offending behaviour towards a far more nuanced understanding of trauma, human motivation, attachment, resilience and protective factors.
The conversation explores:
- How the field of sexual violence prevention has changed over time
- Trauma, ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and offending behaviour
- Why most people who experience abuse do not go on to offend
- Cognitive rigidity, trauma responses and therapeutic challenges
- The importance of social connection and community support
- Protective factors and the emerging role of the SAPROF-SO
- Why prevention should sit at the centre of forensic practice
- The emotional realities of working in sexual violence prevention
- Practitioner wellbeing, burnout and finding meaning in the work
- What effective intervention and rehabilitation really look like
David also discusses the importance of language in forensic practice, the shift away from offence-based labels, and why helping people build meaningful, connected lives is central to reducing future harm.
This is a thoughtful and compassionate conversation about trauma, prevention, rehabilitation and the future of forensic intervention.
