Victim Advocates as Expert Witnesses

Time:   Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

This free training is provided through Aequitas (The Prosecutors' Resource on Violence Against Women) and will provide victim advocates with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to to become expert witnesses. This training will identify common victim behaviors and dynamics in sexual assault cases as well as their impact on fact finders' assessements of victim credibility. The trainers will also summarize the law related to the introduction of expert testimony by the prosecution to explain victim behavior. In addition, the training will provide an opportunity for victim advocates who serve victims of sexual assault to prepare for and participate in testimony delivery. At the conculsion of this training, participants will be better able to educate judges and juries about victim behaviors and dispel myths. 

There is no cost for attending this training. Participants will be responsible for their own transportation, food and lodging. GNESA has a negotiated rate for participants of the training at the Omni Hotel for $99/night. Additionally, GNESA has also negotiated a reduced parking rate which can be reimbursed for GNESA member centers. Food is not provided during the training but there is a food court onsite at the CNN Center. Further details and directions will be emailed to all participants once they are registered.