Victims of Crime

DNA is often touted as the “gold standard” of crime scene evidence. In this session, presenters will explore the science behind DNA, DNA-associated evidence types (what we can/can’t process), the methods used to process this type of evidence, and challenges associated with both methods and interpretation of results. This web event is hosted by the Zero Abuse Project in conjunction with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s National Training and Technical Assistance Center.

Join the Zero Abuse Project and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s National Training and Technical Assistance Center for their upcoming webinar

Examine the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and substance use, with an emphasis on research specific to tribal communities and youth. Discuss the confounding effects of social economic factors and ethnicity-based differences in prevalence rates. Review culturally enhanced treatment options for ACEs. Explore specific strategies for caregivers, prevention specialists, treatment providers, criminal justice professionals, and community members. Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to: 

• Summarize research on the prevalence of ACEs among Native American/Alaska Native youth. 
• Explain the relationship between social economic factors, ethnicity-based differences, and prevalence rates. 
• Identify culturally-enhanced treatment options for ACEs.
• Describe specific strategies to increase positive outcomes for youth impacted by ACEs.

Advocacy for survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) requires an understanding of the dynamics and tactics of IPV. This understanding is also necessary for advocacy for social change to end domestic violence. This webinar will provide an overview of the root causes of domestic violence in Indigenous communities. It will also explain the dynamics and tactics of IPV from a survivor’s perspective.

Due to the complexity of prosecuting sexual violence, a startlingly low number of cases ever make it to court let alone result in conviction. This disappointing reality can be self-perpetuating—victims do not bring charges, and law enforcement and prosecution do not pursue cases, especially if they do not seem winnable.

Join TA2TA on September 21, 2020 for their free law enforcement training on “Police Report Writing in Tribal Domestic and Sexual Violence Cases.” Dr. James D. Diamond, Dean of Academic Affairs at the National Tribal Trial College, will provide practical tips on documenting witness and suspect statements, overcoming hearsay, and diagramming the crime scene to increase successful prosecution and conviction rates. This one-hour course is sponsored by the U.S.

Join TA2TA for their “Police Report Writing in Tribal Domestic and Sexual Assault Cases” webinar on September 21, 2020 at 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET. Attendees will learn “practical tips on documenting witness and suspect statements, overcoming hearsay, and diagramming the crime scene to increase successful prosecution and conviction rates.”  

This webinar is intended for individuals serving American Indian/Alaska Native survivors of sexual violence.

Join the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration GAINS Center for their upcoming “Implementing a Peer Mentor Program: Strategies for Engaging Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSSs) in Adult Treatment Court” webinar on August 31, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. ET.

During this session, Chief Fred Fletcher (ret.) from the Chattanooga, Tennessee Police Department will discuss how police departments can work with the media to deliver victim-centered and trauma-informed messaging to the community, while also using the media to highlight agency successes around responding to crimes of domestic and sexual violence.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) will be hosting a webinar on the Ashanti Alert Act, a national notification system for individuals between the ages of 18 and 64.  As a state leader and coordinator in your state, BJA is asking that you participate in this webinar to discuss the possibility of your state becoming a pilot project state.

Additional information and the agenda will follow.  If you have any questions please contact David P. Lewis, Senior Policy Advisor, david.p.lewis@usdoj.gov, 202-616-7829.