This year the SADA theme was hosted by the University of the Western Cape and we hope that the informative material in the dedicated articles and press releases have created awareness among dental practitioners. It is important to recognise that all forms of abuse have an impact on oral health. Most evident are the results of physical abuse with the accompanying effects on society . surely a matter of concern to every person. The Theme for this year inspired me to look beyond the physical signs and symptoms that our patients may present. On the one hand, substance abuse contributes towards many oral- related challenges for the person involved. On the other hand we, as clinicians, are faced with the consequences in our surgeries to restore to a norm that should be acceptable. We are also urged to identify victims of sexual and physical abuse which expands our role as health care workers towards prevention activists. In order to be up to the challenge we need to remain informed and to position ourselves so as to realise that there is a person behind the mouth, there is a family and a community involved. ; DHET