Sexual Assault Investigations: Improving Case Outcomes and Victim Engagement
The Office of Attorney General Mark R. Herring and the Department of Criminal Justice Services are pleased to offer a free three-day training:
Sexual Assault Investigations:
Improving Case Outcomes and Victim Engagement
September 17-19, 2019
Thomas Nelson Community College
99 Thomas Nelson Drive
Hampton, VA 23666
Sexual assault cases can be some of the most challenging to investigate and prosecute, particularly in non-stranger situations. Statements made or actions taken by a victim before, during or after the assault may seem contradictory. The forensic examination may reveal no injuries. The question of whether or not the contact between victim and perpetrator was consensual may be difficult to answer, let alone prove in court. A victim may disengage from the investigation or prosecution before it can reach a conclusion.
Understanding the trauma experienced by victims of sexual assault and learning methods to conduct trauma-informed, offender-focused investigations can bring clarity to some of the situations mentioned above. Coordinating efforts between investigators, victim advocates, prosecutors, forensic nurses, and other professionals that interact with victims can establish a process for increasing victim engagement and building stronger cases for prosecution. We invite you to join us for three full days of training on methods that can be applied to current caseloads, as well as looking back at older cases now under review as part of the Sexual Assault Kit Testing Project.
Justice 3D’s highly experienced multidisciplinary team of trainers will offer current, best-practice instruction on the following topics:
- The impact of trauma on victim behavior and memory
- Techniques for conducting trauma-informed interviews
- Empathy-Based Interrogation (EBI) practices that result in non-confrontational, conversational interviews that keep suspects talking longer
- Practices that facilitate victim engagement with investigative and prosecution efforts
- Considerations for conducting victim notification in cold cases
- The implication of language in report writing
- Testifying and using expert witnesses
Additionally, you’ll hear from experts that will enhance your knowledge of forensic examinations and forensic testing in sexual assault cases and be introduced to the PERK Tracking System and the FBI’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Program.
This training is intended for all levels of investigators, prosecutors, advocates and forensic nurses that handle sexual assault cases. Space is limited so early registration is recommended and multidisciplinary teams will be given priority.
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.
A limited number of lodging scholarships are available for attendees traveling more than 60 miles. Contact Chrissy Smith at chrissy.smith@dcjs.virginia.
Registration check-in begins at 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2019. Training each day will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For questions or further assistance, please contact Kelly Carpenter, SAKI Project Manager, at 804.823.6336 or kcarpenter@oag.state.va.us.
