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Prosecutor’s Guide to Utilizing Trauma Experts in Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Cases

Date: October 19, 2021

Presenter: Jessica Dotter

Handouts  CLE Credit not available – EXPIRED 12/31/2023

Unlike with other crimes, victims of domestic violence and sexual assault are more often than not disbelieved by the community-at-large. The myths that create doubt of a victim’s experience work against prosecution of these complex and extremely sensitive cases. Society acts as a third-party adversary in the courtroom, causing juries to find doubt victims despite the testimony and evidence provided. Professionals who have dedicated their work to these fields can help prosecutors overcome this problem – by educating judges and juries on trauma and counter-intuitive behaviors. This training covers different types of trauma experts, who can qualify as a trauma expert under rules of evidence and case law, practice concerning endorsement, preparation and defense of the trauma expert and more. Trainees will be provided with the 2021 Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Trauma Expert Witness Handbook which includes sample motions, responses, witness outlines, Rule 16 summaries and more.