Training looks at 'Trauma Informed Prosecutions in CSC Cases' May 11

The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan's Violence Against Women Project will present "Trauma Informed Prosecutions in Criminal Sexual Conduct Cases." A hybrid training, the in person training will take place at PAAM's Conference Room located at 116 W Ottawa Street in Lansing and online via Zoom on Wednesday, May 11, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m

Cases involving sexual assault present with their own set of challenges and difficulties, along with negative public perceptions and issues of "victim blaming."

This interactive training is designed to assist those handling these cases in different stages of the criminal process, from investigating the case and interviewing the victim, to jury selection. The training is designed around learning to become more Victim-Centered, and Offender-Focused, in the handling of complex CSC cases.

This training is for prosecutors, systems based advocates and law enforcement officers that handle sexual assault investigations.

The following topics will be covered:

  • The Neurobiology of Trauma
  • How to be Trauma Informed in Police Investigations
  • How to Conduct Trauma Informed and Victim-Centered Interviews
  • How to be Trauma Informed in Eliciting Victim Testimony
  • Vicarious Trauma

Due to the interactive nature of the training, space will be limited and preference will be given to prosecutors or assistant prosecutors. Attendees are asked to have their schedules clear and that they are able to devote the full 4 hours to this training. This training satisfies 4.0 hours of continuing legal educations for purposes of PAAM's Best Practices Recommendation.

To register for the free online training, visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on "training." If registration fills up, contact the VAWP coordinator Alexandra McGowan at McGowanA1@michigan.gov to be put on the waitlist in the event there are cancellations.