The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the in-person training, “Trauma-Informed Prosecution of Gender-Based Violence.”
Short- and long-term reactions to trauma manifest in various behaviors that may impact a victim's ability to participate in the criminal justice process. To keep victims safe and engaged throughout the process, prosecutors must ensure that their interaction with victims and their decision-making take into account the wide-ranging effects of trauma. This training addresses how to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma following a violent crime. The presenters discuss strategies for conducting thoughtful and effective victim interviews, collaborating with allied professionals to achieve a fully integrated trauma-informed approach, and explaining victim behavior at trial.
- Identify the signs and symptoms of trauma following a violent crime.
- Implement trauma-informed practices to support victim participation.
- Develop strategies for integrating a trauma-informed response from the first contact with a victim through the conclusion of the case.
Presenters:
As an Attorney Advisor with AEquitas, John presents on trial strategy, legal analysis and policy, and ethical issues related to violence against women at the local, state, national, and international levels. He conducts research; develops training materials, resources, and publications; and provides case consultation and technical assistance for prosecutors and allied professionals. 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. John's international work includes developing and implementing training for police, prosecutors, judges, and allied professionals in national and international conferences in Brazil, Cameroon, Egypt, Fiji, France, and South Africa. Additionally, John leads AEquitas’ Innovative Prosecution Solutions Project, working with prosecutor's offices nationwide on innovative and evaluated approaches to violent crime.
Before working with AEquitas, John was the Program Manager for the Gun Violence Prosecution Program, Homeland Security Program, and Southwest Border Crime Program of the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), where he traveled extensively throughout the United States presenting on gun and gang violence and homeland security issues. He also regularly collaborated with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) to bring data-driven best practices to criminal justice professionals. 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 assaults 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.
Who Should Attend: VSTOP Subgrantees who are in prosecutor’s offices are strongly encouraged to attend. All victim-serving professionals are welcome. Attendance is limited to 60 individuals.
Location: Tuckahoe-Henrico County Public Library, 1901 Starling Drive, Henrico, VA 23229
Lunch: On your own
Participant Registration and Cost: This training is free. Participants need to register in advance for the training by clicking on registration button above.
