While the content of this training focuses on the law enforcement response, we welcome community collaborators such as advocates, prosecutors, forensic nurse examiners, victim/witness specialists, probation agents, and others to attend. Cross-training among the various disciplines responsible for responding to a report of sexual assault is essential in ensuring that each professional understands, respects, and values the roles and responsibilities of their colleagues. This multidisciplinary response is considered best practice as it provides a collaborative, victim-centered response to sensitive crimes by reducing the potential for re-victimization by the criminal justice system and begins the process of healing for the victim. It also ensures an offender-focused response by gathering all of the facts of a case, drawing attention to the actions and behaviors of the offender, and holding the perpetrator of the crime accountable for their actions.

The WI Department of Justice is proud to offer the training Sexual Assault Initial Responder: Best Practices. This training will combine lecture, group activity, and discussion to enhance the learning experience and provide opportunities to put new information into practice.

On day one, participants will examine the biological backdrop from which trauma reactions emerge to provide a more complete understanding of how various stakeholders should respond to victims and how to initiate these investigations.  Offender dynamics will be explored and initial-responder action steps will be identified, complimented by survivor testimonials.  

Day two will focus on the nuts and bolts of the initial responder responsibilities, using trauma-informed techniques.  Trauma-informed interviews, initial responder report writing, evidence identification and preservation, and effective testifying tips and demonstrations will be included, using case studies to engage participants more fully.

For more information and to register, go here.