The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan (PAAM) Violence Against Women Project (VAWP) will present a two-day "Sexual Assault Trial Advocacy" online training on Wednesday and Thursday, August 18-19, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Too often in sexual assault cases, the focus is on what the victim did to get into a situation instead of on what the offender has done. This training is designed to aide prosecutors in better noticing signs of trauma in sexual assault cases, how to use those signs to strengthen the cases, and how to conduct a more offender-focused, victim-centered prosecution. Training is appropriate for any prosecutor or assistant prosecutor who is new or newer to handling these difficult cases. The following topics will be covered:
• The Neurobiology of Trauma
• Undetected Rapists and Serial Offenders
• Charging Considerations
• Trauma and Memory/FETI
• Trauma Informed Jury Selection
• Direct Exam of Victim and Cross Exam of Defendant
• Expert Testimony and Other Acts Evidence
The VAWP team at PAAM hopes to provide attendees with a training experience as close as possible to a live in-person training. Attendees are asked to treat this training as if it were an in-person training. Attendance is mandatory on both days and for both a.m. and p.m. sessions.
This training satisfies 13 hours of continuing legal education for purposes of PAAM's Best Practices Recommendations.
Space is limited for this free training. A waitlist will be available once registration is full for those interested in attending if there are cancellations. To register, visit www.michiganprosecutor.org and click on "Training."
