Investigating and Prosecuting Domestic Violence and Child Abuse
Co-occurring domestic violence and child abuse cases pose distinct challenges for investigators and prosecutors. This workshop offers practical strategies for assessing power dynamics, conducting key interviews, addressing evidentiary issues, and using trauma-informed approaches to anticipate and respond to recantation.
Suggested Audience: Law enforcement and prosecutors, with some value for other MDT members
Full Description: Co‑occurring domestic violence and child abuse cases are among the most challenging for prosecutors and investigators. This workshop delivers actionable strategies for navigating these high‑risk cases, including assessing power‑and‑control dynamics; conducting effective suspect, victim, and third-party interviews; addressing physical and digital evidentiary issues; and applying trauma‑informed principles to anticipate, mitigate, and respond to victim recantation. Participants will leave with practical tools to build stronger cases and achieve accountability for both child and adult victims.
Learning Objectives:
Conduct effective suspect, third-party, and victim interviews in co‑occurring domestic violence and child abuse cases.
Recognize and document power‑and‑control dynamics to inform investigative decisions and strengthen prosecutions
Apply investigative and prosecutorial strategies that account for the high recantation rates of domestic violence cases using trauma‑informed principles.
Speaker(s): Robert Peters