Trauma Informed Sexual Assault Investigation

This two-day law enforcement trauma-informed investigation training will help attendees to understand basic scientific concepts around the neurobiology of trauma. Victim reactions that seem counterintuitive or confusing may be caused by how the brain processes trauma. Participants will hear examples from actual sexual assault investigations to learn about the effects of trauma on the brain. Understanding the neurobiology of trauma leads to more effective investigations and improves the victim experience when reporting and disclosing to law enforcement.

The training will continue to build on the foundation of being trauma-informed to other parts of the investigation, for example, thinking “outside the box.” Looking at new angles and finding additional evidence, investigators may have missed entirely or misunderstood. The subject matter will be explored with a new perspective to include alcohol-facilitated sexual assault, non-fatal strangulation, how suspects choose and groom victims to assault, and report writing.