Description
At times, the way a sexual assault victim behaves conflicts with the public’s expectations of how a victim should behave. If not adequately explained, jurors rely on misperceptions of sexual assault to conclude that the victim is lying. Expert testimony can positively impact a sexual assault case by helping the jury better understand the evidence by providing critical information about sexual assault and how trauma impacts victims’ behaviors. Expert testimony has been shown to be effective in obtaining higher conviction rates in these complex cases.
Who better to offer specialized-knowledge testimony than the victim advocates and mental health service providers on the community SART? Victim advocates and mental health providers regularly educate clients, the public, and their "SARTners" about the trauma associated with sexual assault. If equipped with the right skills and knowledge, prosecutors and victim advocates can work together to dispel myths and explain trauma behaviors.
This training will use hypothetical case problems, small group discussion, and demonstrations to provide victim advocates with the knowledge and skills to become expert witnesses, and to provide prosecutors with strategies for utilizing their partners’ knowledge to explain sexual assault dynamics and trauma, based on Virginia law. The training will identify common victim behaviors and dynamics in sexual assault cases, as well as their impact on fact finders' assessments of victim credibility. At the conclusion of this training, participants will be better able to dispel myths about victims’ behaviors associated with sexual assault and trauma. In addition, the training will identify ways to work with experts to prepare a case for trial. The highly interactive format enables prosecutors and victim advocates from different counties, with varied levels of experience, to learn from one another and engage in true-to-life scenarios that are readily transferable to their everyday work.
Who should attend?
This training is appropriate fo prosecutors, victim advocates, and mental health services providers. Registrants are highly encouraged to attend this training with the prosecutor, victim advocate, and/or mental health providers on their SART.
Trainer/Facilitators:
John F. Wilkinson (JD) is an Attorney Advisor with AEquitas: The Prosecutors' Resource on Violence against Women. As an Attorney Advisor, he presents on trial strategy, legal analysis and policy, and ethical issues related to violence against women at the local, state, national, and international level. John has presented extensively on the investigation and prosecution of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking both in the United States and abroad. From 1998 through 2005, John served as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney in Fredericksburg, VA, prosecuting cases involving intimate partner violence and sexual assault, including cases of campus sexual assault, and domestic violence homicide. He also served on the Fredericksburg Area Sexual Assault Response Team and prosecuted child sexual and physical abuse and neglect cases and infant homicides. He assisted in the development of the Mary Washington Hospital Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program.
Nicole Nordan is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and a graduate of Old Dominion University with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Nicole has been working with adolescents and adults since 2009, gaining experience from working in middle schools, colleges, and homeless/domestic violence programs. Nicole specializes in treating trauma, specifically with victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and early childhood traumas. Nicole takes an eclectic approach in therapy, utilizing various therapies to help clients through the healing processes including: Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR level 1, interpersonal practice, and core strength development.
Certificates of Attendance
All participants will receive a certificate of attendance after completing an online evaluation following the training.
Registration & Cost
This training is free; however, you must register to attend. Please click on the registration button above.
Travel, Lodging & Meals
Participants are responsible for their own transportation and lodging arrangements and expenses.
Training Time & Details
Wednesday, November 13, 2019 - Check-in will begin at 8:00 a.m. and training will be held from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.Participants must attend the entire training in order to receive a certificate of attendance.