In this workshop students will learn of 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.
The workshop uses current research to help the audience move past many of the myths that are repeated in this sound bite topic and into actual facts. This presentation focuses on what works when talking to children and teens about personal safety. In the last twenty years, the research has helped us move away from HOW a child knows a
In this workshop medical professionals will learn to prepare for testifying in court specific to their profession. Students will also learn about common cross-examination tactics and how to respond to them. Finally, students will learn how to handle themselves in a direct examination.
Learn about the importance of consent in all relationships and how to identify and advocate for your boundaries safely. Suggested audience: Teens.
With online and hybrid learning, teens are spending more time on screens. What are warning signs that you or a friend may be at risk for online harm and what does self-advocacy look like virtually. Suggested audience: Teens.
This workshop offers concrete suggestions for implementing a peer review process including the type and frequency of peer review. Moreover, the workshop discusses the impact of the discovery process on peer review and offers suggestions for conducting peer review in the light of the likelihood that the process may be accessible to defense counsel.
Learn how to safely keep in contact with new friends and find the right balance between spending time with new friends and with yourself/family. Suggested audience: 2nd-5th graders
Learn the key components of cross-examination, including question drafting, impeachment, controlling witnesses, and flexible strategies to expose defendants and adverse witnesses. Presented by a former prosecutor, this workshop goes beyond theory to provide practical approaches and mock examinations for students to swiftly apply in their cases.
This workshop summarizes the history of developing MDTs in the United States and then, armed with that history, discusses the ten greatest challenges facing MDTs today and offers concrete suggestions for MDTs in meeting these challenges
One of the most critical aspects of a successful trial is the rapport between prosecutor and child. This workshop, presented by a former prosecutor, addresses several hypotheticals, discusses trauma-informed best practices for interacting with abused and neglected children, and reviews courtroom accommodations and trial strategies to support child 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
Is it possible for news stories to be reported accurately without re-victimizing crime survivors? How can a complicated problem be encapsulated into a short clip? Can we get media partners enthused about prevention? The media can serve as a way to get hopeful messages into the mainstream or can perpetuate old myths. This session begins the conversation about engaging media
Using a case study, students learn effective strategies for investigating a case in which a child commits a sexual offense against another child. Utilizing current research, attendees will determine gain insight into evaluating the reasons a child commits sexual offenses, evidence based treatments for children with sexual behavior problems, and concrete guidelines for reunification of a child into a family
Children will learn about personal safety in this interactive session. Topics covered are: the buddy system, checking first, secrets vs. surprises, 5 trusted adults, listening to your “uh-oh” feeling, and body ownership. Never fear-based, this material is covered in a way that empowers children. (This presentation is often combined with Teachable Safety Skills presentation for parents.)
Empathy is a powerful force that can be used to motivate and change a community. This presentation covers the dynamics that allow bullying behavior to thrive and then engages the audience to help create different dynamics in which everyone feels respected. Come and join us to problem solve, dream, and learn to be a voice for change.
Sexual abuse prevention is a team effort. This presentation covers personal safety strategies for preteens and teens with a focus on the importance of being a voice for change. Topics include consent, do no harm, bystander intervention, and personal safety strategies for teens. *This presentation has been particularly powerful as an assembly for seniors before heading off to college.
We discuss affirmative practices for professionals supporting and serving LGBTQIA+ children and families. This training will include a Gender & Sexuality 101 course to establish shared language and definitions.
The #11forJacob movement was born out of a need to shift the focus from how Jacob Wetterling died to how he truly lived. We honor his memory by asking others to live out the 11 traits that Jacob exemplified: Be fair, Be kind, Be understanding, Be honest, Be thankful, Be a good sport, Be a good friend, Be joyful, Be
This short webinar goes over best practices for parents and those who work with youth about how to make personal body safety messages empowering and effective.
Teens will learn about the importance of making healthy choices online. Online risks and dangers will be discussed so youth are aware of behavior that should trigger warning flags. Risky behaviors of peers, including sexting and cyberbullying, will also be covered. The presentation also talks about positive ways that the Internet can be used to advocate for each other. This
Empathy is an important building block in building a world that respects the safety and dignity of others. Modeling and encouraging empathetic connections in the classroom can turn social emotional learning opportunities into life long tools for students. We will spend some time on the WHY of empathy, but most of the time will be spent on the HOW so
A searching family’s journey does not end when their missing child is recovered. The ripple effects of trauma do not end on the recovery date. Law enforcement and advocates are faced with unique challenges in attempting to line up services for a wide spectrum of needs. This presentation will cover the challenges in reunification and highlight existing resources.
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.
Social media is not going away. As social media adapts and changes, young people are either creating the adaptations or adapting right along with it. Professionals can face a steep learning curve as they attempt to respond to new risks in the lives of the young people they serve. This presentation provides tools to help professionals get on the front
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
Zero Abuse Project is a 501(c)(3) organization that is 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.
