Description of Training:

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, in partnership with the Office on Violence Against Women’s National Violence Against Women Law Enforcement Training and Technical Assistance Consortium (LETTAC), is pleased to announce that registration is now open for Strengthening Domestic Violence Investigations.

Domestic violence calls are some of the most dangerous and complex situations that law enforcement officers encounter. Responding officers must understand the context of these crimes and conduct thorough, evidence-based investigations. Identifying evidence of intimate partner violence and determining the true aggressor is required for successful investigations, offender accountability, and the prevention of future violence. Failure to make these determinations can result in devastating consequences such as arresting and further traumatizing victims, jeopardizing prosecutions, and failing to hold abusers accountable.

The training will explore best practices for determining the predominant aggressor in domestic violence cases. In addition, when domestic violence offenders use strangulation, it is an undeniable red flag for future violence and homicide. This training will teach participants how to identify and investigate cases involving strangulation. 

Additionally, the Virginia Office of the Attorney General will be discussing the use of the Lethality Assessment Protocols to determine the risk of homicide and serious injury.

Topics include:

• Power and Control in Domestic Violence
• How Trauma Impacts Domestic Violence Response
• Effective Interviews with Victims Impacted by Trauma
• Gathering Relevant Information to Understand Domestic Violence History
• Determining Self-defense and Predominant Aggressor
• Hearsay Exceptions
• Investigations without Victims
• How Advocates Can Make a Difference
• Investigating Domestic Violence When Strangulation is Involved
• The Lethality Assessment Protocol to Determine Risk

Location, Date and Time:

Monday, April 24, 2023
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (check-in starts at 8:15 a.m.)
Darden School of Business, University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia

Parking instructions will be emailed to attendees

Intended Audience:

Law enforcement, victim advocates, prosecutors, Title IX, family services, and other professionals who work with domestic violence victims. DCJS reserves the right to cancel registrations of anyone who is not the intended audience.

Credits: Partial In-service Credit will be available for law enforcement officers.

Participant Registration and Cost:  Preregistration is required. There is no cost to register.

Lunch:  On your own

Cancellation Policy:  Registrants will receive an email notification if this session is cancelled.