First Impressions Matter: Trauma-Informed Sexual Assault Response and
Minimal Facts Interviewing
June 23, 2025
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Darden School of Business
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
Description of Training:
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is pleased to announce that registration is now open for First Impressions Matter: Trauma-Informed Sexual Assault Response and Minimal Facts Interviewing training in Charlottesville, VA.
The first responding officer’s response to a sexual assault victim-survivor sets the stage for the entire criminal justice process and has a significant impact on whether the survivor will stay engaged throughout the investigation and prosecution. That first contact will determine whether the victim-survivor feels heard and believed and feels safe enough to continue the process. A victim-survivor will be most receptive to law enforcement if listened to in a supportive, non-judgmental manner and allowed to make informed decisions. If this first contact and interview are done in a trauma-informed manner, it can give the victim positive reinforcement and trust in the criminal justice system.
Topics will include but are not limited to:
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Addressing rape culture, myths, and biases
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Trauma’s effect on behavior and memory
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What is a trauma-informed response?
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Pathways to reporting (hospital, sexual assault crisis center, 911) and how to respond to each
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The benefits of referring victims to an advocate
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The forensic medical exams and Physical Evidence Recovery Kit (PERK)
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The minimal fact-finding interview
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Common barriers to effective interviews
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Non-threatening body language
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Using open-ended questions
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Securing the scene for evidence collection
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On-scene safety planning
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Report-writing using trauma-informed language.
Trainers:
Mike Milnor, Justice 3D
Nancy Oglesby, Justice 3D
Who Should Register?
Law enforcement officers, prosecutors, system-based (victim/witness) advocates, and community-based (sexual assault crisis center) sexual assault victim advocates who work with adult victims of sexual assault.
Please note that the DCJS registration system does not have the capacity to sort eligible from ineligible registrants. Therefore, anyone who registers will receive a confirmation. The DCJS course director will review the roster and will cancel any ineligible registrants. Any registrants not accepted will be notified via the email address provided in the registration system.
Because space is limited, it is important to notify the course director if you are unable to attend. If you need to make any changes to your registration, please email Jennifer Kline at jennifer.kline@dcjs.virginia.gov.
Registration: Preregistration is required. Please click here to register.
Credits:
Partial In-service Credit (PIC) application has been submitted for this course.
Attendees who complete the entire course will receive a certificate of attendance after completing a brief training evaluation.
Requirements for course completion:
You must attend the entire course. Anyone who misses a portion will not be awarded a certificate of course completion.
Cost: There is no cost to register. Attendees are responsible for their own travel and lodging.
Meals: No meals are included.
Other Information: An email will be sent to the email address you provided when registering, with information about location and parking and instructions regarding firearms.
Cancellation Policy:
Every effort will be made to hold this scheduled training. However, if DCJS must cancel the training, you will be notified by email as soon as possible. If you need to cancel or make any changes to your registration, or if you have questions, please contact the Course Director at:
Jennifer Kline
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services
Victims Services
(804) 225-3456
Jennifer.Kline@dcjs.virginia.gov