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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Adverse Childhood Experiences & Trauma-Informed Care Training
Early life experiences are the foundational building blocks for development, learning, and health throughout a person’s lifetime. Trauma can have a long-term effect on well-being and functioning for children, adults, families, and our community. The Zero Abuse Project offers well-established training on adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and trauma-informed care (TIC).
Making it Count: 10 Tips on Picking Your Best 12
A prosecutor has three chances to speak directly to the jury and Jury Selection is the first. Make it count by planning focused questions, using your time wisely, and weaving themes of your case throughout the process. Learn how to use voir dire questions to cultivate potential jurors understanding of the difficult nature of providing testimony in a child sexual abuse
Effective Presentation of Child Abuse Cases to a Jury: An Updated Multi-Media Approach
This presentation will deliver a comprehensive multi-media roadmap on effective prosecution of a child abuse case. Court exhibits, testimonial examples and jury-tested techniques will be used to facilitate a discussion on utilizing the members of the multi-disciplinary team to prepare a prosecutable case.
Normal is Normal: Effective Use of Medical Evidence in the Prosecution of Child Sexual Abuse Cases
This webinar will discuss the importance of pediatric sexual assault exams in cases of child sexual abuse and how to present the findings of that exam to a jury. A majority of the exams will be “normal” and that evidence can be used to corroborate a child’s statement using expert medical testimony. The testimony of the expert can also be
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.
Serving LGBTQIA+ Victims in the Forensic Interview
Forensic Interview Specialist Rachel Johnson (she/her/they/them) will discuss affirmative practices for forensic interviewers supporting and serving LGBTQIA+ children and families. This training will include a Gender & Sexuality 101 course to establish shared language and definitions.
Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care Strategies
Self-care should be an individual priority, but it cannot be achieved without support from your professional and personal communities. True self-care requires support and resources from leadership.
When the Child Abuser Carries a Badge
In many cases of child sexual and physical abuse, perpetrators use religious or spiritual themes to justify their abuse of a child. Although no known religion in modern culture suggests that sexual abuse is condoned or taught as part of its tenets, some church leaders engage in conduct suggesting the child is equally, if not more to blame than the
Interviewing Reluctant Children
Children face many barriers when disclosing child abuse and maltreatment. Research tells us that even in cases where there is external corroborating evidence children only disclose 42-50% of the time in the formal interview. This training provides guidance on how to address reluctance in the forensic interview process, specifically with regard to the multidisciplinary team response, how to prepare children
Keeping Faith: Advanced Course
This course is designed for faith and child protection leaders who have completed Zero Abuse Project’s two-day Keeping Faith course. Attendees receive instruction on preventing abuse in vulnerable populations including children with disabilities and sexual and gender minority youth. There is also an in-depth workshop on the sexual behaviors of youth and a detailed exploration of the cognitive distortions of
Keeping Faith: Empowering Faith Communities to Recognize and Respond to Child Maltreatment
Many maltreated children are spiritually impacted by abuse and require a coordination of medical, mental health, and spiritual care. This course examines this research and explores creative reforms for bringing faith and child protection communities together to protect children and address their needs. The course also explores how MDTs can recognize and respond to spiritual injuries before, during, and after
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
Responding to Child Abuse During a Pandemic: 25 Tips for MDTs
Many child protection professionals believe child abuse is likely to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic as most abusers are parents or siblings now have more complete access to the child victim. In turn, the victim may no longer have schoolteachers, faith leaders, or other mandated reporters accessible for help or who may be able detect a sign of abuse. Children
Working with Molly: A Culturally Sensitive Approach to Parents Using Scripture to Justify Corporal Punishment
Although there is a large body of research finding medical and mental health risks associated with corporal punishment, most parents continue to hit their children as a means of discipline. In many instances, the practice is justified based on religious teachings. Using a case history, this presentation discusses the basis for these teaching and offers concrete, culturally sensitive approaches for
Working with Parents Withholding Life-Saving Medical Care on the Basis of Religious Belief
In the United States, hundreds of children have died and thousands more have endured pain or illness that could have been prevented with basic medical care. This workshop addresses instances in which medical care is withheld on the basis of religious belief. The workshop explores the basis for these beliefs and the possibility of working within myriad cultures to nonetheless
When Words Hurt: Investigating and Prosecuting Cases of Emotional Maltreatment
Students will receive an overview of the literature concerning the emotional abuse of a child and will receive concrete suggestions for investigating these cases and for proving an allegation of emotional abuse in either a civil child protection or a criminal case.
When Faith Hurts: Recognizing and Responding to the Spiritual Impact of Child Abuse
A significant body of research finds that many abused children are impacted spiritually or have religious questions pertaining to the maltreatment. Failing to address these questions may impact a child physically and emotionally.
When Faith Hurts: Effective MDT Responses to the Spiritual Impact of Child Abuse
Many maltreated children are spiritually impacted by abuse and require a coordination of medical, mental health, and spiritual care. This slightly shortened presentation suitable as a keynote examines this research and explores creative reforms for bringing faith and child protection communities together to protect children and address their needs. The workshop also explores how MDTs can recognize and respond to
Unto the Third Generation: A Call to End Child Abuse in 30 Years
In this moving and hopeful address, students will learn the five obstacles that prevent us from ending child abuse and will learn about sweeping changes now taking place in our child protection system that will enable us to significantly reduce and perhaps eliminate child abuse over the course of the next three generations. The keynote is based on a scholarly
We’re Just Going To Talk: Presenting Your Case in Opening Statements and Closing Argument
In this workshop, students will learn the importance of effective strategies and themes for opening statements and closing arguments in child abuse cases. Students will learn a theme for presenting their case. They will learn specific arguments to persuade a jury that a child is telling the truth. They will learn to debunk common defenses in child abuse cases.
When a Child Stands Alone: The Search for Corroborating Evidence
There is corroborating evidence in every case of child abuse, including cases of sexual abuse. Using actual vignettes, the presenter helps attendees see corroborating evidence that is almost always present but often missed. Working as team, students will learn to tear apart a child’s statement and find the corroborating physical evidence in cases of child sexual abuse.
The Ten Things Every Youth-Serving Organization Needs to Know and Do in Keeping Children Safe
Attendees will recieve an overview of Centers for Disease Control best practices for youth serving organizations in preventing or responding to cases of child abuse. Participants will receive concrete steps for applying the CDC standards to be able to protect or respond with excellence to cases of physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect.
