Preparing Children for Court
This workshop examines research on common fears children have about testifying and discusses best practices for addressing these fears before, during and after the courtroom testimony.
Training Catalog
Welcome to the Zero Abuse Project Training Catalog!
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.
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Where the Boys Are: Investigating and Prosecuting Cases of CSA When the Victim is Male
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
Utilizing Physical and Digital Evidence to Corroborate Difficult Cases
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
Don’t Believe Your Lying Eyes: Introducing Visual Evidence in the Courtroom
Recent high profile cases have highlighted challenges–predictable and less so–to the introduction of visual evidence in court. Taught by a forensic examiner and former prosecutor, this presentation will discuss practical approaches to the introduction of visual evidence in the courtroom with an emphasis on accuracy, admissibility and impact for the jury.
Maternal Darkness: Illuminating Female Perpetrators of Crimes Against Children
The research on female perpetrators of abuse against children has historically been lacking. As more is learned about this unique population of predators, police and prosecutors must develop an increased understanding of the unique dynamics of these crimes. This workshop will examine several issues that surround the investigation and prosecution of female perpetrators.
No Perfect Victim: Combatting Issues and Overcoming Jury Bias in Cases with Difficult Kids
We know there is no perfect victim. But we also know children in vulnerable situations make a perfect target for predators. This workshop will discuss the issues faced by prosecutors in handling cases where the current charges may be only one of many challenges faced by a child victim.
When The Smoke Clears: Cross Examining the Defense Expert’s Attack on a Forensic Interview
Many defense attorneys attempt to deflect juror attention away from a child’s allegations of abuse by attacking the manner in which the child was interviewed. The implicit or explicit claim is that the interviewer purposefully or unwittingly planted the allegation of abuse in the child’s mind. Fearful of the anticipated attack on the investigative interview, some prosecutors decline to file
The Day of Reckoning: The Art & Science of Cross-Examining Defendants and Defense Witnesses
In this workshop, students will learn the keys to a successful cross-examination. They will learn how to prepare and gain a thorough understanding of the case including the evidence to be presented by both sides, drafting cross-examination topics and questions, and understanding the limitations of cross-examination. Finally, students will learn concrete examples of how to box the witness into a
Investigating and Prosecuting Cases of Child Torture
In this workshop, students will learn of common dynamics involved in cases of torture. Using several case examples, students will examine potential defenses and receive concrete trial strategies for overcoming these defenses. When religion is incorporated into these cases, several possible approaches at trial will be discussed.
I Take It Back: When a Child Recants
The workshop offers concrete guidance for forensic interviewers or investigators called on to interview a child who is reluctant or fearful of making a disclosure. The workshop will include research and best practices when interviewing reluctant children. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss concrete solutions that can be used with reluctant children and watch interview video clips.
You Have Chosen Wisely: Jury Selection in Child Abuse Cases
This workshop provides prosecutors with a comprehensive overview of jury selection purposes and strategies – including pre-voir dire investigative tips, developing an authentic approach to juries, addressing juror myths, building case themes in child abuse cases, gathering sample questions, and closing considerations.
Child Exploitation Investigations 101
This workshop will equip multidisciplinary teams with practical investigative and prosecutorial strategies for technology-facilitated child abuse cases. Topics include systemic best practices for conducting abuse investigations, locating potential sources of corroborative evidence, understanding offender communication strategies, and utilizing hearsay exceptions.
Admissibility of Social Media and Digital Evidence
This workshop will explore common challenges to social media and digital evidence, with an emphasis on comprehending and countering authentication and hearsay challenges. Instruction will focus on relevant case law and rules of evidence, including various jurisdictional approaches and prosecutorial strategies.
Resiliency
Self-care should be an individual priority, but it can not be achieved without support from your professional and personal communities. True self-care requires support and resources from leadership. This workshop provides an overview of the research on the vicarious trauma of working with families impacted by trauma. There will be opportunities to self-assess how your professional community is helping in
Courthouse Facility Dogs in Traditional and Expanded Forensic Interviews
This training discusses the purposeful integration of courthouse facility dogs in the forensic interview process. Topics covered include an explanation of the role of courthouse facility dogs, the appropriate use of facility dogs and considerations and potential challenges surrounding the intersection of courthouse facility dogs and the forensic interview process.
