You can use the filters on the to browse the full scope of training Zero Abuse Project is able to offer for your organization. Most trainings are available for organizations to book on a fee-for-service basis.
If you are an individual seeking training, please visit our Events & Training Calendar to view and register for upcoming trainings hosted by Zero Abuse Project. Unfortunately, Zero Abuse Project cannot book an individual’s request for training.
Most sexually abused boys will never make an outcry during childhood and, even if abuse is discovered, investigators and prosecutors will face barriers that impede their ability to protect these children. This workshop explores the research on the sexual abuse of boys and offers concrete suggestions for conducting forensic interviews with these children, investigating crimes against boys, and presenting these
Effectively preparing children and families for our forensic interview process can greatly enhance the effectiveness of the forensic interview, but teams often worry about how and when to engage families and non-offending caregivers prior to the interview and in what way. This training provides guidance on how to prepare children and families for our process including the difference between minimal
Child Death Investigations can be complex and emotionally taxing cases for a multidisciplinary team. This presentation will focus on the benefits of an MDT-based approach to address common issues and challenges that arise in the investigation of deaths of the most vulnerable victims. Factual data will be referenced regarding the reduction in undetermined manner of death (or SIDS) findings with the
In conducting peer review of forensic interviewers, it is important not only to critique the question types and adherence to a protocol, but also to critique whether or not the interviewer asked questions that would elicit information that can be corroborated by the multi-disciplinary team. This workshop provides concrete information to expand the peer review process to include this critical
There is an increased public awareness around the prevalence, impact and salience of sex trafficking, human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. When allegations of trafficking and exploitation are made known to law enforcement and social services, the forensic interview process can be an effective tool for gathering victim statements and assessing what has occurred. This training will discuss the specifics
Using case studies, concrete examples and research, this presentation will provide strategies for engaging with these populations in an intentional way, with a focus on balancing investigative needs and the benefits of rapport-building and affirmative interactions. Other topics that will be covered include examining intent versus impact in interactions with children and families and suggestions for improving communication amongst MDT
The tragedy of youth sexually abusing other children is frequently encountered by prosecutors and forensic interviewers, yet it poses significant and persistent challenges. This workshop provides pertinent strategies and research for the effective, appropriate intervention and prosecution of juvenile offenders.
The past few years confronted multidisciplinary teams with numerous obstacles and stressors, often challenging our ability to work together adequately, let alone cooperatively. This workshop provides insight for strengthening communication, coordination, and collaboration among MDT members. We will discuss practical strategies for addressing conflict, adapting to change on multidisciplinary teams, and leading child protection teams with excellence.
In this workshop, your hosts are a former prosecutor and forensic psychologist, using a game show format to explore and refute common child abuse defenses. Attendees will learn to anticipate defenses in the context of child sexual abuse, online exploitation, and sex trafficking. The workshop will also provide practical investigative and prosecutorial countermeasures to each asserted defense.
Emily Hampshire celebrated her 14th birthday on October 22, 2018. On November 3, 2018 Emily was dead. The investigation into her death revealed a complicated medical history of Type 1 Diabetes that was deliberately concealed from family, friends, and teachers by Emily’s mother, Amber Hampshire. The actions of Amber Hampshire that directly led to the death of Emily caused disbelief and
Reviewing a child sexual assault case from 2004-2006, this unique presentation taught by a child sexual abuse survivor and a forensic psychologist walks you hand and hand from forensic interview to trial. You will learn how to avoid common pitfalls to prevent re-traumatization of the survivor and how to support a survivor despite what happens in the process in a
The training provides multidisciplinary team members an understanding of the research and proper use to assist with investigation and prosecution when forensic interviews include the use of interviewing aids of anatomical dolls and diagrams. While the practice of using anatomical dolls and diagrams is sometimes seen as contentious in the field of forensic interviewing, research shows the appropriate use of
This course provides an overview of the dynamics of child abuse as well as the systems that respond to child abuse and maltreatment.
Promoting the effective communication between forensic interviewers and the presenting child is a critical part of the forensic interview process. Facilitating this effective communication sometimes requires the use of an interpreter in the forensic interview. This workshop, intended for interpreters, will offer a foundational knowledge of CACs, MDTs and forensic interview process. It will also familiarize interpreters with tools and
This workshop will explore the effective use of the forensic interview process when responding to technology facilitated crimes against children. In addition to building awareness about the current state of the technological landscape, this workshop will address misconceptions about the nature and prevalence of technology-facilitated child abuse. This workshop will equip forensic interviewers and investigative MDTs with tools, skills and
This presentation will address the issues experienced by every prosecutor who handles cases with sensitive victims, traumatized families and emotional witnesses. Ethical questions may arise when boundary lines are blurred due to the expectations many victims and families have for prosecutors to provide support in multiple roles. Recognizing applicable rules of professional responsibility for prosecutors and their interactions with families
The first contact in an investigation can have a significant impact on the case as a whole. Law enforcement and child protection workers, who are often the first responders, need to be armed with the knowledge to competently and effectively begin the case. Prosecutors need to work in cooperation with their MDT partners in order to communicate the elements of
We know there is no perfect victim. But we also know children in vulnerable situations make a perfect target for predators. This workshop will discuss the issues faced by prosecutors in handling cases where the current charges may be only one of many challenges faced by a child victim.
The research on female perpetrators of abuse against children has historically been lacking. As more is learned about this unique population of predators, police and prosecutors must develop an increased understanding of the unique dynamics of these crimes. This workshop will examine several issues that surround the investigation and prosecution of female perpetrators.
This webinar will discuss the importance of pediatric sexual assault exams in cases of child sexual abuse and how to present the findings of that exam to a jury. A majority of the exams will be “normal” and that evidence can be used to corroborate a child’s statement using expert medical testimony. The testimony of the expert can also be
A prosecutor has three chances to speak directly to the jury and Jury Selection is the first. Make it count by planning focused questions, using your time wisely, and weaving themes of your case throughout the process. Learn how to use voir dire questions to cultivate potential jurors understanding of the difficult nature of providing testimony in a child sexual abuse
The training provides multidisciplinary team members an understanding of the research and proper use to assist with investigation and prosecution when forensic interviews include the use of interviewing aids of anatomical dolls and diagrams.
Medical experts and evidence are key components in every child abuse prosecution. In cases of online child exploitation, medical experts and evidence can be used to corroborate a statement, explain a timeframe of abuse or possibly prove elements of an offense that may be otherwise difficult.
Victims who have experienced abuse have unique challenges on the path to healing. When that abuse includes technology or a virtual component, the healing may be even more complex. This presentation will discuss some of those challenges and provide prosecutors with the tools needed to achieve justice for these vulnerable victims.
The Multi-Disciplinary model ensures team collaboration for the investigation of child abuse cases. The responsibility to detect and intervene in cases of child torture rests with every member of the team. Recognizing and addressing the signs of child torture can raise challenges for the team as a whole. Using case examples and updated research, this presentation will provide practical applications
Protecting children from child abuse and maltreatment requires that everyone understand how to recognize, respond and report any form of maltreatment a child may experience. FIRST response is often the single most important step in effectively responding and reporting maltreatment.
FIRST will give you and your community the tools necessary to better protect kids. The training combines both lecture and practicum, giving participants the tools and practical skills to better communicate with a child during the initial outcry of maltreatment.
The FIRST process teaches three critical components:
1. How to recognize signs and symptoms of abuse and maltreatment
2. How to listen and respond to a child’s needs
3. How to effectively and accurately report any form of maltreatment to authorities
Your FIRST Response to Child Maltreatment training teaches participants how to listen to children who have experienced maltreatment and gather the correct information needed in a way that puts the child’s needs FIRST.
This training is also available as a Train-the-Trainer model with a licensing agreement to teach the material in your own community. Offerred as a 90 minute overview or a 3-hour comprehensive basic course.
Despite what TV shows and true crime podcasts suggest, DNA evidence is not a “miracle solution” that can solve every crime or prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt on its own. It must be considered within the context of the entire case. In this presentation, we will explore how the defense may use DNA evidence to support its narrative, including strategies involving DNA transfer to explain away incriminating findings. Attendees will also have the opportunity to think through case-specific defenses and consider how other forms of evidence can help contextualize DNA results.
In the United States, hundreds of children have died and thousands more have endured pain or illness that could have been prevented with basic medical care. This workshop addresses instances in which medical care is withheld on the basis of religious belief. The workshop explores the basis for these beliefs and the possibility of working within myriad cultures to nonetheless treat the child. The workshop also explores when, over the objection of a parent, the government can intervene to provide necessary medical care to a child.
Although there is a large body of research finding medical and mental health risks associated with corporal punishment, most parents continue to hit their children as a means of discipline. In many instances, the practice is justified based on religious teachings. Using a case history, this presentation discusses the basis for these teaching and offers concrete, culturally sensitive approaches for moving parents away from corporal punishment and toward more effective means of discipline.
All alleged child victims should be entitled to a multidisciplinary (MDT) process and forensic interview that is aligned with best practice, research-based, and developmentally and culturally appropriate. Some youth served by the MDT may be currently or historically impacted by or involved in the criminal justice system, which will shape what they need from the process. This training will look at considerations for serving justice impacted youth, including currently or formerly incarcerated youth, and/or youth concurrently or previously accused of crimes or misconduct.
What every parent fears: an alert from their children’s school, notifying them of some event like an active shooter. Schools train, drill, and have alerts for active shooters, fires, and other disasters; however, when it comes to addressing in-school sexual assaults – particularly those committed by students – most schools find themselves with no plan. This leads to problems for investigators, prosecutors and school officials as they try to achieve justice for survivors and keep the school environment safe. This presentation will focus on building strong cases when a sexual assault occurs in a school environment, with a focus on evidence collection, obtaining digital evidence and navigating school policies. Attendees will be encouraged to think about specialized legal proceedings like waiver hearings (trying juveniles as adults). Finally, we will discuss unique trial issues, including witness intimidation, working with reluctant witnesses, and overcoming juror biases.
Most sexually abused boys will never make an outcry during childhood and, even if abuse is discovered, investigators and prosecutors will face barriers that impede their ability to protect these children. This workshop explores the research on the sexual abuse of boys and offers concrete suggestions for conducting forensic interviews with these children, investigating crimes against boys, and presenting these cases to a jury.
Students will receive an overview of the literature concerning the emotional abuse of a child and will receive concrete suggestions for investigating these cases and for proving an allegation of emotional abuse in either a civil child protection or a criminal case.
When most people hear the word “rape”, they still think of the stranger rapist with the gun, despite the progress of the “Me Too” Movement and some highly publicized non-stranger sexual abuse cases. Prosecutors, police, and advocates are far more likely to encounter cases in which the survivor and the offender have some pre-existing relationship. This presentation will focus attendees on how to build strong non-stranger sexual assault cases that have jury appeal, that offer victim protections and support, and that counter defenses commonly raised in non-stranger cases.
The tragedy of youth sexually abusing other children is frequently encountered by prosecutors and forensic interviewers, yet it poses significant and persistent challenges. This workshop provides pertinent strategies and research for the effective, appropriate intervention and prosecution of juvenile offenders.
Many defense attorneys attempt to deflect juror attention away from a child’s allegations of abuse by attacking the manner in which the child was interviewed. The implicit or explicit claim is that the interviewer purposefully or unwittingly planted the allegation of abuse in the child’s mind. Fearful of the anticipated attack on the investigative interview, some prosecutors decline to file charges in cases involving only eyewitness testimony of a young child. In this workshop students will learn how to successfully defend the investigative interview.
It is a powerful responsibility to ensure that children, youth, and vulnerable adults are able to thrive within a faith community. The importance of creating and maintaining safe places for ALL members, especially those unable to protect themselves, must be considered with great care. This session provides specific policies and practices to address while detailing why faith communities must be prepared to handle the problem of child sexual abuse.
Many maltreated children are spiritually impacted by abuse and require a coordination of medical, mental health, and spiritual care. This slightly shortened presentation suitable as a keynote examines this research and explores creative reforms for bringing faith and child protection communities together to protect children and address their needs. The workshop also explores how MDTs can recognize and respond to spiritual injuries before, during and after the forensic interview.
There is corroborating evidence in every case of child abuse, including cases of sexual abuse. Using actual vignettes, the presenter helps attendees see corroborating evidence that is almost always present but often missed. Working as team, students will learn to tear apart a child’s statement and find the corroborating physical evidence in cases of child sexual abuse.
In this workshop, students will learn the importance of effective strategies and themes for opening statements and closing arguments in child abuse cases. Students will learn a theme for presenting their case. They will learn specific arguments to persuade a jury that a child is telling the truth. They will learn to debunk common defenses in child abuse cases.
This training will give youth workers, faith leaders, teachers, and caregivers tools to support them in having conversations with young people about pornography.
The work we do matters. The way we treat our colleagues and clients matter. Using humor, story-telling, and anecdotes from the field, this session will remind listeners why self care is crucial and how we can learn and be inspired by others.
As the world becomes more digitally connected, offenders can now commit multiple, virtual sexual assaults without ever leaving their homes. Sextortion – the use of coercion to compel a victim to engage in some form of sexual conduct – has been steadily increasing over the years, and now may involve international actors and financial components. This presentation will focus attendees on factors to consider when working with the victims traumatized by these offenses, including victim interviewing and evidence gathering, protecting victims during the court process, and addressing victim needs for physical safety and their mental health.
Self-care should be an individual priority, but it cannot be achieved without support from your professional and personal communities. True self-care requires support and resources from leadership. This workshop provides an overview of the research on the vicarious trauma of working with families impacted by trauma. There will be opportunities to self-assess how your professional community is helping in prevention of burnout and concrete opportunities for growth.
Corroborative evidence can often be the deciding factor on whether or not a case moves forward for charging. Many cases of abuse and assault often appear to only have the victim and suspect as the “witnesses”. This presentation will explore ways that police and prosecutors can look beyond those two witnesses and identify ways to present compelling, corroborating evidence. Using traditional methods of physical evidence and advancing ideas in technology, attendees will be encouraged to think outside the box.
Domestic violence and stalking investigations can become a tedious task for any investigator. To conduct a successful investigation, digital evidence recovery is essential to aid in the corroboration of the victim’s statement. The offender may impose physical injury, but they will also routinely harass, threaten, and inflict psychological trauma upon their victims while committing crimes in person or during online interactions. Investigators must equip themselves with the latest tools and techniques available to obtain solid evidence for the prosecution’s case against these offenders. This course will provide examples of how to locate digital evidence through using search warrants to establish a pattern of behavior, which can corroborate the victim’s statement. An emphasis will also be placed on the best legal practices for digital evidence recovery, storage, and presentation for prosecution.
In this moving and hopeful address, students will learn the five obstacles that prevent us from ending child abuse and will learn about sweeping changes now taking place in our child protection system that will enable us to significantly reduce and perhaps eliminate child abuse over the course of the next three generations. The keynote is based on a scholarly work that was published in the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma, and in the Hamline Journal of Public Law and Policy, Fall 2006.
An understanding of the forensic interviewing process is essential for supervisors in order to assist in the growth of their interviewers and to gain familiarity with the required peer review and mentoring processes. This advanced workshop includes a history and overview of the ChildFirst® Forensic Interviewing Protocol and discusses best practices in the field, new research, and the process for annual updates. Concrete suggestions regarding strengths and challenges in the field will be provided, as well as an opportunity for questions in group forum format. (Available as a full day or a half day to include only the Supervising Forensic Interviewers content)
This training explains how trauma affects youth brain functioning, especially in high-stress situations, and provides officers with strategies to interpret trauma-related behavior and reduce harm.
In this workshop, attendees will receive an overview of the impact of trauma on children with a special focus on how sexual abuse, physical abuse, and other forms of trauma impact boys. Research suggests boys who have endured trauma are more reluctant to disclose abuse and, when they do, less likely to receive services. In light of these dynamics, the workshop offers suggestions for improved medical and mental health services for boys, as well as suggestions for forensic interviewers and investigators responding to cases of abuse or neglect involving boys.
Zero Abuse Project is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to the elimination of child sexual abuse. Our programs are designed to provide training and education to professionals and students, and to help transform institutions to effectively prevent, recognize, and respond to child sexual abuse.
