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
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
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.
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.
In this workshop, attendees will receive an overview of the impact of trauma on children with a special focus on how sexual abuse, physical abuse, and other forms of trauma impact boys. Research suggests boys who have endured trauma are more reluctant to disclose abuse and, when they do, less likely to receive services. In light of these dynamics, the
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
In this workshop, students will learn about the dynamics of the forensic interview process. They will gain an understanding about memory and suggestibility and the proper interviewing techniques that will assist them in the forensic interviewing process.
In this workshop students will learn to prepare for testifying in court, including common cross-examination tactics and how to respond to them. Finally, students will learn how to handle themselves in a direct examination.
Students will learn creative strategies for empowering children to effectively handle the stress of testifying in court. Students will also learn of creative pre-trial motions and other strategies to modify the courtroom and the procedures of testifying to reduce the stress level of child witnesses.
In this workshop, students will learn to address juvenile sex offenders at the investigation, prosecution and treatment stages. Analyzing current research and practices; this workshop offers suggestions and guidelines to address the needs of juvenile sex offenders, their victims and society. This workshop also addresses the differing viewpoints concerning the prosecution and treatment of child sex offenders and seeks to
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.
In this workshop, students will learn to develop a coordinated, multi-disciplinary response to an allegation of child abuse. Employ creative methods for finding corroborating evidence cases of physical and sexual abuse. Investigate cases of failure to thrive and other forms of neglect. Assess sexual abuse allegations involving children with special needs. Methods for preparing children for court and tchniques for
This dynamic workshop will explore how to prove sexual abuse in pre/non-verbal children through combining brief statements from children with behavioral and brain research. The difficulties of substantiating abuse among preschool children will also be explored and students will learn methods to overcome these obstacles and secure justice for more of these vulnerable children.
In cases of child abuse and neglect, a number of ethical challenges may arise during the forensic interview, during the multi-disciplinary investigation, during trial and after a case is resolved in court. In some instances, ethical conundrums arise because MDT members have conflicting ethical codes and competing values. Utilizing a number of case scenarios, this workshop invites a conversation into
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.
Students will learn how professionals from different disciplines developed a coordinated response. They will also learn how the professionals brought the community together to meet the needs of a child.
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.
A child just disclosed sexual abuse to you. What do you tell the child? Do you know your legal obligations? How can you respond without jeopardizing criminal investigations and the child’s safety? This workshop, presented by a former prosecutor, addresses several hypotheticals, discusses trauma-informed best practices for interacting with abused and neglected children, and reviews mandatory reporting law.
From parallel reality to virtual reality, things are not what they seem. This workshop surveys emerging technological issues, their implications for child exploitation, and the starting points for legal and investigative response.
This workshop provides prosecutors and multidisciplinary team members with an understanding of polyvictimization, with an emphasis on the co-occurrence of domestic violence and child abuse. The presentation will also discuss the effects of domestic violence on children, protective factors, screening considerations, and implications for investigation and prosecution.
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
Online child exploitation was increasing before the COVID-19 crisis, and reports have greatly escalated since the outbreak. Investigation and prosecution of technology-facilitated crimes against children must be prioritized in the new era. This webinar, presented by a former prosecutor, reviews pertinent challenges, discusses best practices for prosecutorial response, and provides practical guidance to practitioners.
How do you escape traps on cross-examination? How can you avoid them? Can you recover from mistakes in testimony? This workshop will equip MDT members, especially CPS workers and forensic interviewers, with practical tools and tactical insight to succeed in the stressful environment of courtroom testimony. The presentation includes multimedia components and integration of hypotheticals to illustrate principles, and will
Recantation is not a death blow to a prosecution. In fact, many child sexual abuse cases have been won by prosecutors even when the child victim recanted or was nonverbal. Learn the facts about recantation in confirmed cases of child sexual abuse, and develop strategies to prevent recantation, minimize its effects, support victims throughout the judicial process, and succeed at
This workshop, presented by a former prosecutor, discusses investigative uses of emojis, particularly in the context of child exploitation and undercover operations, and the legal context of this growing medium, including current case law and implications for practice. The presentation reviews perpetrator themes and online grooming strategies, with illustrations and chat samples from recent cases.
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.
