An international expert on crime against children is set to visit Bermuda next week to speak with local agencies.

Susan Kreston, a research fellow in law and former professor of psychology and law at the University of KwaZulu Natal in Durban, South Africa, will arrive on the island on Tuesday on the sponsorship of the United States Consulate.

While on the island, she is scheduled to have roundtable discussions with professionals and experts at Family Centre, Scars, and the Department of Child and Family Services who work with children and families affected by crimes against children.

In addition, she will conduct a workshop for individuals or charitable organisations seeking training on recognising and reporting child abuse with the sponsorship of the Interagency Committee for Children and Family, and Scars.

Mary Ellen Koenig, the US Consul General, said: “Professor Kreston is an experienced and knowledgeable authority on child abuse issues. I worked with Susan previously in South Africa and Russia where the US Embassies sponsored similar programmes.

“I have great respect for her international expertise and straightforward approach to difficult issues that are sadly faced by communities in every part of the world.

“Our hope in offering this speaker programme in Bermuda is to create various forums for discussion on a topic that is a high priority for governments and NGOs everywhere: protecting the most vulnerable of our citizens.”

A former sex crimes prosecutor, Mrs Kreston went on to work with the US National Centre for Prosecution of Child Abuse, where she headed the Child Abuse and Sexual Exploitation Unit.

She has also worked as a legal consultant to various UN agencies, and throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and the Dominican Republic on issues including human trafficking and child abuse.