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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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, 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 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.
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
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 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
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.
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.
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
After learning about Adverse Child Experiences (The ACE Study), most professionals want the next steps. Creating trauma informed space and training staff to respond to behaviors linked to trauma will strengthen relationships. Throughout the justice system, from disclosure to verdict, it can be triggering, traumatizing and re- traumatizing for victims and families. This session will share steps to improve the
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.
To effectively investigate and prosecute child abuse cases, practitioners must understand the impact of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) on children. This workshop offers suggestions for working with traumatized children in the context of a criminal case, and for developing a holistic approach to addressing victim needs.
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.
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.
