Nineteenth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma

The Nineteenth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma was held on September 15, 16, 17, 2024, at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah. More than 400 people from 11 countries participated in over 60 sessions focusing on family/victim support, investigative techniques, legal and trial experiences, prevention programs from around the world, the latest research from experts in the field, and shared experiences from parents and survivors.

We were honored to have the conference kick off with a keynote presentation by Dr. Lori Frasier, “Deconstructing a Diagnosis of Abusive Head Trauma.”

Some of the other highlights of the 3-day event included:

• Marilyn Barr received the Lifetime Achievement Award. She founded the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome and has worked tirelessly as an advocate since. A special piece of art was commissioned and painted for Marilyn by Sabine Witte, a survivor.
• A three-part series was presented over the course of 3 hours detailing the process of a successful conviction in Boise, Idaho. Speakers included Dr. Lori Frasier, Dr. Gina Bertocci, Dr. Derrick Dauplaise, Jason Pietrzak, Daniel Dinger, and Tessie Buttram.
• Debbie Eappen and Sameer Sabir were keynote speakers addressing “Media: Fact or Fiction, Friend of Foe.“ This was an in-depth presentation on their experiences with the media during their cases and ways they were further victimized.
• Special family-oriented sessions included music therapy, caring for the caregiver, and the benefits of animal therapy.

We are so grateful for the incredible speakers who presented at this conference, sharing their experiences, research, and knowledge. The survey feedback was the highest we have ever achieved! 

Our twentieth conference will be held in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 21, 21 & 22, 2026, at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel.