Prosecuting Domestic Violence Cases with Absent and Recanting Victims
Course Description
The very nature of domestic violence – crimes that are often committed in private and involve victims who have love for, loyalty to, and fear of their abusers – makes these cases difficult to successfully prosecute. This is particularly true when the victim has recanted allegations or will not appear in Court to provide truthful testimony. This presentation looks at the process involved in recantation, including the influence of the abuser. We discuss how to evaluate a case in light of the victim’s participation, and provide ideas for alternative sources of evidence, so that the strength of the state’s case is not dependent upon the survivor of the abuse.
Learning Objectives
1. Gain insight into the tactics used by perpetrators to manipulate victims in domestic violence situations, with a focus on techniques aimed at encouraging recantation.
2. Develop the ability to evaluate the strength of a domestic violence case when the victim is unwilling or unlikely to testify truthfully, exploring alternative methods of gauging the case’s viability.
3. Learn strategies and techniques for acquiring independent evidence that can substantiate the elements of a domestic violence case without relying solely on the victim’s testimony, enhancing the prospects for successful prosecution.
2. Develop the ability to evaluate the strength of a domestic violence case when the victim is unwilling or unlikely to testify truthfully, exploring alternative methods of gauging the case’s viability.
3. Learn strategies and techniques for acquiring independent evidence that can substantiate the elements of a domestic violence case without relying solely on the victim’s testimony, enhancing the prospects for successful prosecution.
Please check out the upcoming training calendar to view upcoming training sessions for individuals, or choose request training to bring a session to your organization.
