Description of Training:
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, in partnership with the Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Services Council, and the Virginia Victim Assistance Network, is pleased to announce that registration is now open for Expert Testimony in Sexual Assault Cases.
Tuesday, April 27, 2021, 1 – 2:30 PM EST
Expert Testimony in Sexual Assault Cases
Often the way a sexual assault victim behaves is in conflict with the public’s expectations of how a victim should behave. If not adequately explained, jurors may rely on misconceptions of sexual assault to make decisions. Expert testimony can be very effective in explaining trauma and in dispelling myths and biases that inhibit factfinders from making informed decisions.
Who better to offer specialized-knowledge testimony than victim advocates and law enforcement officers who have knowledge of and experience with victim behavior? Victim advocates regularly educate clients, the public, and their partners about the trauma associated with sexual assault. Law enforcement officers often have received specialized training in the neurobiology of trauma. Under the right circumstances, equipped with the right skills and knowledge, prosecutors and front-line experts can work together to educate juries.
This webinar will provide participants with an understanding of what is required under Virginia Law to be qualified as an expert and strategies for when and how to use expert testimony. We will discuss common themes seen in adult, non-stranger sexual assault cases such as the impact of trauma, delayed reporting, inconsistencies, inability to remember details, and recantation.
Date & Time
Tuesday, April 27, 2021, 1 – 2:30 p.m. EST
Location: Online
Who should attend?
Commonwealth's Attorneys, Victim Advocates, and Law Enforcement Investigators who work with adult victims of sexual assault. Please note that space is limited. Therefore, if you do not work in any of these disciplines, your registration may be cancelled.
Participant Registration and Cost: There is no cost to participate in this webinar. Registrants will receive an email prior to April 27th with information on how to access the webinar.
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 assigned course director will review the roster and can cancel any ineligible registrants. Any registrants not accepted will be notified via the email address provided in the registration system.
Cancellation Policy: 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.Registrants will receive an email notification if this webinar is cancelled.
Presenter: Nancy Oglesby, Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Services Council
