'Sexual Assault Trial Advocacy' training offered for prosecutors

The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan (PAAM) Violence Against Women Project (VAWP) presents a two-day “Sexual Assault Trial Advocacy” program for prosecutors only.

The in-person and online training will take place on Monday and Tuesday, July 17-18, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. consisting of full day sessions with breaks.  The in-person option will be conducted at the PAAM Office Walker Conference Room, 116 W. Ottawa in Lansing.  The online training will take place via Zoom for those who are unable to attend in person due to the distance.  Attendance at all sessions is required.

Too often in sexual assault cases, the focus is on what the victim did to get into a situation, instead of focusing 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.  The 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
• Charging Considerations
• Undetected Rapists and Serial Offenders
• Trauma and Memory/FETI
• 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.  Those attending by Zoom are asked to treat this training as if it were an in-person training.  Attendance is mandatory on both days for the full day for attendees, whether in-person or via Zoom.   

This training satisfies 13 hours of continuing legal education for purposes of PAAM’s Best Practices Recommendations

To register for this free training, prosecutors or assistant prosecutors should visit www.michiganprosecutor.org and click on “training.” For additional questions, contact conference coordinator Alexandra McGowan at Mcgowana1@michigan.gov.