You can use the filters on the to browse the full scope of training Zero Abuse Project is able to offer for your organization. Please note that the On Demand filter can be used to quickly identify our trainings that have been pre-recorded and are available to watch. Most other trainings are available for organizations to book on a fee-for-service basis.
Through our Trauma-informed Prosecutor Project, we are able to offer a select menu of trainings for Prosecutors and other MDT members at no cost. Please select the Trauma-informed Prosecutor Project filter to view these trainings.
If you are an individual seeking training, please visit our Events & Training Calendar to view and register for upcoming trainings hosted by Zero Abuse Project. Unfortunately, Zero Abuse Project cannot book an individual’s request for training.
In order to properly investigate online crime, investigators must become well-versed in the preservation, creation and submission of a search warrant, and review of digital evidence contained within the search warrant return. This course will examine common and uncommon electronic service providers, which are used regularly by law enforcement investigators to legally obtain digital evidence. Participants will also learn how
This workshop examines emerging social media platforms that are increasingly being used in the course of child exploitation crimes. Highlighting popular platforms such as Twitch and Discord, this presentation examines best practices in search warrant drafting, including common pitfalls and exigency considerations. Presented by prosecutors and ICAC investigators, this workshop also addresses selection of appropriate legal process, reviewing search warrants
As the world becomes more digitally connected, a single offender can now commit multiple, virtual sexual assaults without ever leaving home. Sextortion – the use of coercion to compel a victim to engage in some form of sexual conduct – has been steadily increasing over the years, and sometimes involves international actors and financial components. Other forms of image-based sexual
This workshop will equip investigators with practical tools and tactical insight to succeed during courtroom testimony, including avoiding traps in cross-examination. Multimedia components; integration of hypotheticals; and concrete tips for testifying and interacting with judges, juries, and defense attorneys will be included. Specific strategies for case preparation, recovering from mistakes on the stand, and surviving cross-examination will also be addressed.
What every parent fears: an alert from their children’s school, notifying them of some event like an active shooter. Schools train, drill, and have alerts for active shooters, fires, and other disasters; however, when it comes to addressing in-school sexual assaults – particularly those committed by students – most schools find themselves with no plan. This leads to problems for
No matter how strong your case is, prosecutors should never underestimate the importance of selecting a jury. Misconceptions and myths about child sexual abuse can prejudice jurors against your case, affecting their ability to assess the facts. Some jurors, no matter what they say in jury selection, may simply never be able to convict an offender, even if the evidence
When most people hear the word rape, they still think of the stranger rapist with the gun, despite the progress of the “Me Too” Movement and some highly publicized non-stranger sexual abuse cases. Prosecutors, police, and advocates are far more likely to encounter cases in which the survivor and the offender have some pre-existing relationship. This presentation will focus attendees
This workshop identifies dynamics within institutions that may make it easy for abuse to take place and to be ignored or even covered up. Utilizing case examples from universities, faith institutions, and youth serving organizations, attendees will gain a deeper sense of these dynamics. Attendees will also receive concrete recommendations for investigating and prosecuting cases of abuse within an institution.
As the world becomes more digitally connected, offenders can now commit multiple, virtual sexual assaults without ever leaving their homes. Sextortion – the use of coercion to compel a victim to engage in some form of sexual conduct – has been steadily increasing over the years, and now may involve international actors and financial components. This presentation will focus attendees
This is a course designed for death investigators. and the death investigation multidisciplinary team (MDT). Learners will be educated on best practices for Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Investigations (SUIDIs). Topics covered will include conducting death scene interviews and collecting pertinent death-related information and data, anatomical SUIDI doll reenactment best practices and doll code of conduct, scene walkthrough fundamentals and photographic
Electronic evidence is information and data of investigatory value that is stored or transmitted by an electronic device. It is fragile and can easily be altered, damaged, or destroyed. The importance of proper digital evidence collection procedures is paramount in any crime, especially involving the investigation of child abuse or maltreatment. In order to ensure the integrity of the case against child abuse
This session will take a detailed look at the layered dynamics involved youth-produced sexual images and how professionals can respond. Special attention will be given to the systems response in these cases and questions that will often arise when forensic interviewers and other MDT professionals are faced with clients who have created their own sexual images.
Forensic Interviewers are often utilized as fact witnesses to testify in court when they have conducted an interview in the matter at hand. Forensic Interviewers across the country have also been retained as expert witness to discuss dynamics, behaviors, and traits that are common in cases of child maltreatment per their training and experience. This session will discuss the breadth
Using case studies, concrete examples and research, this presentation will provide strategies for engaging with these populations in an intentional way, with a focus on balancing investigative needs and the benefits of rapport-building and affirmative interactions. Other topics that will be covered include examining intent versus impact in interactions with children and families and suggestions for improving communication amongst MDT
There is an increased public awareness around the prevalence, impact and salience of sex trafficking, human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. When allegations of trafficking and exploitation are made known to law enforcement and social services, the forensic interview process can be an effective tool for gathering victim statements and assessing what has occurred. This training will discuss the specifics
In conducting peer review of forensic interviewers, it is important not only to critique the question types and adherence to a protocol, but also to critique whether or not the interviewer asked questions that would elicit information that can be corroborated by the multi-disciplinary team. This workshop provides concrete information to expand the peer review process to include this critical
The dynamics of stalking creates unique issues when it comes to prosecution. Stalking cases can result from previously existing relationships or involve a perpetrator who is a stranger to the victim. Understanding the psychology of offending for this particular type of crime is essential to a successful investigation and prosecution. The use of new and emerging methods in technology-facilitated sexual
Each child who has experienced maltreatment goes through their own process of disclosure, and experiences intersecting dynamics and barriers to making a disclosure. There are many misconceptions about how and when children disclose based on adult norms and realities; it’s important that child maltreatment professionals understand the dynamics of child abuse so they can take a holistic approach in educating teams, juries, and
Child Death Investigations can be complex and emotionally taxing cases for a multidisciplinary team. This presentation will focus on the benefits of an MDT-based approach to address common issues and challenges that arise in the investigation of deaths of the most vulnerable victims. Factual data will be referenced regarding the reduction in undetermined manner of death (or SIDS) findings with the
Effectively preparing children and families for our forensic interview process can greatly enhance the effectiveness of the forensic interview, but teams often worry about how and when to engage families and non-offending caregivers prior to the interview and in what way. This training provides guidance on how to prepare children and families for our process including the difference between minimal
Most sexually abused boys will never make an outcry during childhood and, even if abuse is discovered, investigators and prosecutors will face barriers that impede their ability to protect these children. This workshop explores the research on the sexual abuse of boys and offers concrete suggestions for conducting forensic interviews with these children, investigating crimes against boys, and presenting these
Corroborative evidence can often be the deciding factor on whether or not a case moves forward for charging. Many cases of abuse and assault often appear to only have the victim and suspect as the “witnesses”. This presentation will explore ways that police and prosecutors can look beyond those two witnesses and identify ways to present compelling, corroborating evidence. Using traditional
The first contact in an investigation can have a significant impact on the case as a whole. Law enforcement and child protection workers, who are often the first responders, need to be armed with the knowledge to competently and effectively begin the case. Prosecutors need to work in cooperation with their MDT partners in order to communicate the elements of
This presentation will address the issues experienced by every prosecutor who handles cases with sensitive victims, traumatized families and emotional witnesses. Ethical questions may arise when boundary lines are blurred due to the expectations many victims and families have for prosecutors to provide support in multiple roles. Recognizing applicable rules of professional responsibility for prosecutors and their interactions with families
Grooming behaviors are estimated to be present in nearly half of all child sexual abuse cases. It is important for child abuse professionals to recognize manipulative patterns and behaviors that offenders employ to groom their victims for compliance with abuse and non-disclosure, so interventions can be made as early as possible. This training will provide professionals with information on what
Zero Abuse Project is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to the elimination of child sexual abuse. Our programs are designed to provide training and education to professionals and students, and to help transform institutions to effectively prevent, recognize, and respond to child sexual abuse.
