Party of 4: A Table Talk Conversation with a Survivor, Psychologist, and Two Attorneys
This session examines how legal, medical, psychological, and survivor-centered perspectives intersect in child abuse cases and how effective MDT collaboration drives successful outcomes. Through cross-disciplinary discussion and case examples, participants learn to use medical evidence, expert testimony, and coordinated communication to support survivors and strengthen prosecution.
Suggested Audience: All CAC & MDT members
Full Description: This session explores the intersection of four critical aspects—legal, medical, psychological, and survivor-focused trauma—and the impact of the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) on successful prosecution.
This session provides insight and instruction through a conversational approach among three disciplines of the MDT. Participants will hear about the different aspects of criminal cases, medical exams, court processes, and the overall journey of a survivor, among other common themes in the work, through a dynamic and interactive discussion using experience, knowledge, and real case examples.
Attendees will learn about types of perpetrators, the physical impact of trauma, and the importance and benefits of the medical exam from both the prosecutorial standpoint and the survivor’s healing journey. They will also cover how to use medical experts to combat commonly held myths about sexual assault and abuse that may influence a jury’s evaluation of a case. The presenters will discuss, from each of their perspectives, the use of expert testimony, effective communication with caregivers, and corroboration of disclosures of abuse, even in cases of no abnormal physical findings. The survivor’s process, from initial disclosure through the trial process and beyond, will be discussed from three perspectives, connecting the research and a survivor’s real-life experience.
The session will also address the impact of a well-coordinated MDT and successful prosecution versus an investigation that lacks team collaboration, focusing on the impact on the team, survivors, and their families.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the intersection of legal, medical, psychological, and survivor-focused trauma and the impact of the MDT on successful prosecution.
Implement strategies to enhance communication amongst legal, medical, psychological, and survivors while protecting privacy interests.
Maximize the strengths of the team through expert testimony and powerful victim impact statements
Speaker(s): Melanie Barton, Robert Peters, Kathleen Nolan, & Dr. Timothy Saar
