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.
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
Manipulation, often referred to as grooming, is the process by which an offender follows a process of manipulating a potential victim, desensitizing them to the contact with the intent to sexually abuse the victim, and thus maintaining the victim’s participation or non-disclosure.
The cases that we live and the clients that we serve profoundly change how we see the world. This presentation digs into the question of how vicarious trauma can impact our parenting and what we can do to create healthy relationships with our loved ones despite it all.
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
An understanding of the forensic interviewing process is essential for supervisors in order to assist in the growth of their interviewers and to gain familiarity with the required peer review and mentoring processes. This advanced workshop includes a history and overview of the ChildFirst® Forensic Interviewing Protocol and discusses best practices in the field, new research, and the process for
Although there are multiple nationally recognized forensic interviewing models in use, the importance of building and maintaining rapport is emphasized in each process. While these models all implement steps or phases labeled as “rapport,” what does it really mean to build rapport with each individual child? This session will discuss research-based and best-practice informed steps to establishing rapport. We will
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
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.
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
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 6 boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18. More than one out of four children will be beaten to the point of injury and 13% will witness their mother beaten. One out of ten will be denied food, clothing, shelter, medical
This workshop will explore the effective use of the forensic interview process when responding to technology facilitated crimes against children. In addition to building awareness about the current state of the technological landscape, this workshop will address misconceptions about the nature and prevalence of technology-facilitated child abuse. This workshop will equip forensic interviewers and investigative MDTs with tools, skills and
Promoting the effective communication between forensic interviewers and the presenting child is a critical part of the forensic interview process. Facilitating this effective communication sometimes requires the use of an interpreter in the forensic interview. This workshop, intended for interpreters, will offer a foundational knowledge of CACs, MDTs and forensic interview process. It will also familiarize interpreters with tools and
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
This course provides an overview of the dynamics of child abuse as well as the systems that respond to child abuse and maltreatment.
Moving cases from the investigation stage to prosecution is particularly difficult in the context of human trafficking, and successful human trafficking investigations require a unique approach. This workshop addresses potential avenues of corroboration, technology-facilitated human trafficking, proactive strategies, and investigative resources.
The training provides multidisciplinary team members an understanding of the research and proper use to assist with investigation and prosecution when forensic interviews include the use of interviewing aids of anatomical dolls and diagrams. While the practice of using anatomical dolls and diagrams is sometimes seen as contentious in the field of forensic interviewing, research shows the appropriate use of
Reviewing a child sexual assault case from 2004-2006, this unique presentation taught by a child sexual abuse survivor and a forensic psychologist walks you hand and hand from forensic interview to trial. You will learn how to avoid common pitfalls to prevent re-traumatization of the survivor and how to support a survivor despite what happens in the process in a
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.
