Categories
Testimony

Be A Demanding and Conscientious Consumer of Education

At the IAFN conference last week you probably heard me say this several times: be a demanding and conscientious consumers of education. This might just be my mantra for 2019. If I’ve learned anything from listening to as much testimony as I have this year, it’s that people are going to courses and conferences and swallowing wholesale what they are learning there without doing the deep dive. They are accepting as gospel what people teach simply because they are given a national (or even regional) platform, and then turning around and regurgitating that information on the stand. The problem is, that strategy won’t get you much past the direct exam, and even then, it’s pretty tough. If you don’t have a firm understanding of the material to which you are testifying, you cannot answer questions that probe the second or third layer down. And those questions will come. I promise they will. Memorizing training material won’t get you there. It will introduce you to what you need to know. And then it’s up to you to do the work.

Good education (and good educators) will give you source material. If there are statistics or metrics or numbers of any sort cited in their presentations, they will tell you where they came from. Then it is up to you to go to those sources and read them for yourself. Determine whether they apply to all circumstances or only some. Follow the footnotes to other articles that may contradict or expand upon the ideas in the original article. If they’re older, do a quick PubMed search and see if there’s newer information that has been published that may be useful. And then consider whether you might bring that information into court. Because testimony requires some work up front, and not just pretrial prep with counsel. The onus falls on you to do that work.

If you receive materials or see slides from presenters and they don’t include citations? Ask for them. Be a demanding and conscientious consumer of education. It is completely acceptable to ask for sources*. We are people of science. Science is what informs our opinions (along with clinical experience). It matters not at all how famous the educator, the course, the conference, or the academic program is–no one is above providing sources for their assertions. And if the presenters won’t or can’t give you that information? This is not information that should be the basis for any testimony you plan to give.

Every opportunity for testimony is an opportunity to be better. No one starts out a flawless expert, and errors in testimony can happen to even the most seasoned expert. But it’s possible to make sure you are approaching testimony from a position of strength (whether testifying for prosecution or defense) by ensuring your science is current, relevant, and on point. Be a demanding and conscientious consumer of education.

*I am also of the opinion that if all the source material simply consists of the presenters’ own work, that should also be consumed with a grain of salt.

 

Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find our newest research brief, Aging Bruises Based On Color, plus our original guide, Injury Following Consensual Sex. Both available now for electronic download

 

Categories
DV/IPV Elder Abuse/Neglect

Screening for Intimate Partner Violence, Elder Abuse, and Abuse of Vulnerable Adults

Greetings from San Diego, where I am teaching for the Army this week. I hope everyone had a good conference! This year’s was incredibly successful from my vantage point, although I had to leave a day early–I know my sessions were packed, and we had terrific conversation in all three of them. Great getting to talk with so many of you in Reno. If you didn’t get to attend, hopefully, you’ll be able to join us next year in New Orleans. It’s always a good use of your time and resources.

Just in time to close out Domestic Violence Awareness Month, JAMA published the new recommendations from the US Preventive Services Task Force on Screening for Intimate Partner Violence, Elder Abuse, and Abuse of Vulnerable Adults. For my money, the accuracy of screening tools is probably one of the most important aspects of the statement, but the entire thing is worth the read.

Canadian’s, I looked for your equivalent statement, and it appears that the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care released their document in 2013; I don’t see anything more recent. The US and Canadian Task Forces do not come to the same conclusions, but there is a 5-year difference in their authorship, so any comparison isn’t a fair one. If a more recent document exists, please let me know and I will get it posted. Happy to publicize any other countries’ recommendations, as well, so send them my way or post a link in the comments below.

 

Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find our newest research brief, Aging Bruises Based On Color, plus our original guide, Injury Following Consensual Sex. Both available now for electronic download.

 

 

Categories
Uncategorized

Issues With the Contact Form Are Fixed!

Thanks to everyone who alerted me about the issues with the FHO Contact form. It took me a while to troubleshoot the issue (since I am FHO’s tech support, too), but at long last, the problem is solved. Feel free to use the Contact form as you see fit. Thanks for your patience.

Categories
Uncategorized

Since Last We Spoke, 10-22-18

This week is our annual IAFN conference, so I have no idea whether any other posts will happen. Hard to say, based on the level of historical (good) chaos that is this event. I am debuting brand new content, and there are a lot of moving parts to the one testimony session, so I am going to apologize in advance and just tell you, it will probably be kind of quiet over here as my energies are directed elsewhere. That being said, I am super excited to see so many of you in person. Please come say hello–you will surely see me all over the place, and I love meeting FHO readers, so feel free to introduce yourself.

The news continues to be appalling and scary and sad. I continue to waver on whether or not to even bother with the weekly round-up, but for now, I am leaning in favor, and so here’s what’s caught my eye since last we spoke:

This news about the administration’s trans memo is beyond upsetting (and frightening, disheartening, maddening, nauseating–insert your choice of adjectives). Love this list of action items in the wake of that bombshell. (We gave last night to Trans Lifeline, but there are many excellent groups on the list if you have some spare cash, as well as other non-monetary options).

Men’s regret (this is– a lot)

Good job, Lyft

Want to help other women? More talk, less blame.

Abortion by mail?

For some men, the pain is the point

Why the UN wants to ban virginity testing

I read this story to Sasha this morning as she got dressed and made her tear up because there actually are still some really good people in the world.

Safe travels, everyone–see you in Reno!

 

Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find our newest research brief, Aging Bruises Based On Color, plus our original guide, Injury Following Consensual Sex. Both available now for electronic download.

Categories
Uncategorized

Medicolegal Death Investigation: Interview with Bobbi Jo O’Neal

When I was posting Tuesday’s content I happened to notice that FCoE had an interview with the fabulous Bobbi Jo O’Neal that just went live, so as a bonus, today I am featuring her interview. I haven’t had a chance to listen to the whole thing (I have it downloaded for my next flight). She’s a great ambassador for forensic nurse death investigators, so if that’s an area of interest, or you’re just curious what your colleagues in that subspecialty are up to, I encourage you to check it out. Listen here on Soundcloud.

You can also download from:

iTunes

Google Play

 

Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find our newest research brief, Aging Bruises Based On Color, plus our original guide, Injury Following Consensual Sex. Both available now for electronic download.

Categories
Uncategorized

Medical-Forensic Evaluation of Asylum Seekers: Legal Framework for Immigrant Victims & Introduction to the Istanbul Protocol

IAFN is offering a special 5-part series for members only on medical-forensic evaluation of asylum seekers (such a great topic). The 1st part of the series will be held on November 15th at 1pm: Legal Framework for Immigrant Victims & Introduction to the Istanbul Protocol. All sessions will be archived for later review.

Remaining webinars will take place in 2019 (again, these topics!):

  • The Clinical Interview & Considerations for Vulnerable Populations
  • Medical Forensic Exam & Utilizing the Istanbul Protocol
  • Specific Forms of Torture & Corresponding Clinical Findings
  • Writing a Medical-Legal Affidavit & Providing Oral Testimony

Register here (please note: the live session is limited to 200 people so don’t procrastinate if you want to attend).

The benefits of belonging to your professional organization, my friends…

 

Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find our newest research brief, Aging Bruises Based On Color, plus our original guide, Injury Following Consensual Sex. Both available now for electronic download.

Categories
Sexual Assault

Advancing Research Initiatives and Combatting the Human Trafficking Epidemic

Forensic Technology Center of Excellence has an upcoming webinar: Advancing Research Initiatives and Combatting the Human Trafficking Epidemic. The session will be held on November 1st at 1pm ET. From the website:

Trafficking in persons is a multi-faceted global epidemic which has seen a significant increase in public awareness. However, there is a substantial need to expand capacities and technologies involving representatives from all stakeholders.

During this webinar, recommendations will be discussed addressing general policies and priorities, a need to better protect refugees, immigrants, and other at-risk populations, labor trafficking, and sexual exploitation. With many of these recommendations, key players involved with related research or program activities will be highlighted. In other areas, the recommendations identify the substantial lack of research and activities and are intended as a clarion call for action in a specific identified area associated with human trafficking. A core recommendation to any and all engaged in this work is to maintain a victim-centered approach. 

Register here.

 

Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find our newest research brief, Aging Bruises Based On Color, plus our original guide, Injury Following Consensual Sex. Both available now for electronic download.

Categories
Uncategorized

Since Last We Spoke, 10-15-18

I’m on my way to Ft. Bragg this morning. Not going to lie–getting on a plane was not easy today. Last week was a slog of straight 15+ hour days and this month and next, I am on the road every week, as many of you are. But this particular rainy morning I really did not want to get out of bed and drag myself back to the airport. Of course, now that I am in motion, it’s fine, but those 1st few hours this morning required some significant espresso to jumpstart my brain. On top of the travel, I am prepping for a series of new workshops and lectures, especially the ones at IAFN (that testimony workshop–whew, it’s going to be something, I am so excited about it). In the meantime, here’s a bit of distraction, what’s caught my eye since last we spoke:

Men, women, America, equality?

Longread: Unprotected (it is so good, though)

How a chef with terminal cancer is spending her remaining time

A most magical obituary; an all too familiar and tragic one that still begs to be read

Half the women in my life probably need to download this to escape the deluge of email

You don’t owe anyone an interaction

All the men who never assaulted me

 

Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find our newest research brief, Aging Bruises Based On Color, plus our original guide, Injury Following Consensual Sex. Both available now for electronic download.

Categories
DV/IPV

Quality Improvement Center on Domestic Violence in Child Welfare (QIC-DVCW)

Futures Without Violence has launched a new project, the Quality Improvement Center on Domestic Violence in Child Welfare (QIC-DVCW). The aim of the center is to “test an approach to improve how child welfare agencies and their partners work collaboratively to help families experiencing domestic violence. The safety and well-being of child survivors of domestic violence and child maltreatment are closely connected to the safety and well-being of the adult survivor of domestic violence.  For this reason, the QIC-DVCW is testing an Adult & Child Survivor-Centered Approach to addressing the needs of both the parent and child, which includes effectively engaging and working with the person causing them harm.” The site has a resource section that is worth exploring and they will be offering webinars in the future. I look forward to seeing the coming session topics.

 

Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find our newest research brief, Aging Bruises Based On Color, plus our original guide, Injury Following Consensual Sex. Both available now for electronic download.

Categories
Sexual Assault

Victim Notification: Safety and Privacy Planning

The SAKI project has a webinar coming up, Victim Notification: Safety and Privacy Planning. It’s an issue we probably don’t give enough consideration, so although it leans a bit more advocacy, I think it’s a great one for any member of a SART. The session will be held October 23rd at 2pm ET. They archive their sessions, so it will be available online if you cannot attend the live event. From the website:

Safety and privacy planning has been recognized as a strong consideration for cold case sexual assault victim notifications in the sexual assault response process. Two presenters from the Salt Lake City, Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenal Justice will address why safety and privacy planning is an important consideration for sexual assault survivors. Additionally, the presenters from this SAKI site will speak to strategies for implementing this concept, including, but not limited to, physical safety, emotional safety, privacy planning, court privacy, confidentiality, and civil orders of protection.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be better able to:

1. Identify and define the need for Safety and Privacy Planning.

2. Discern the difference between Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence victim needs.

3. Gain an understanding of physical safety, emotional safety, privacy planning, court privacy, confidentially, and civil orders of protection.

Register here.

 

Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find our newest research brief, Aging Bruises Based On Color, plus our original guide, Injury Following Consensual Sex. Both available now for electronic download.

Categories
DV/IPV

Substance Use, Trauma and Domestic Violence: Critical Issues, Promising Approaches

The National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health has a webinar coming up, Substance Use, Trauma and Domestic Violence: Critical Issues, Promising Approaches. The session will be held October 23rd at 2pm CT. This is part of their Trauma, Opioid and Domestic Violence series. They archive their sessions, so if you miss the live event, you can listen to the recording. From the website:

Substance use is a challenging issue facing domestic violence survivors and the programs that serve them. The national opioid epidemic has intensified the problem. But progress is being made. We are identifying promising approaches and building community capacity to address the complex needs of survivors. Recognition of the impact of trauma on survivors’ use of substances as well as the role of substance use-related coercion by perpetrators has led to more integrated approaches. 

This webinar will highlight strategies for addressing the multiple factors that contribute to substance use in the context of domestic violence; promising approaches to the opioid epidemic by rural domestic violence programs; and an evidence-based intervention to increase safety for people dealing with substance use and trauma.

Register for the webinar here.

 

Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find our newest research brief, Aging Bruises Based On Color, plus our original guide, Injury Following Consensual Sex. Both available now for electronic download.

Categories
Sexual Assault

Allowed To Be Angry: Women, Rage And The Way Forward

There’s no way to ignore the amount of rage that women are feeling at this pivotal time in US history. So I was really pleased to hear 3 authors I admire tremendously featured on 1A this morning (all of whom have books out now that happen to be on my current reading list). Rebecca Traister (who was here in DC last night), Soraya Chemaly and Brittney Cooper are brilliant, inciteful, and well worth listening to. And trust me–this isn’t just about politics in this country. This is about the very work that we do, the place in which we are doing that work, and the institutional structures that allow that work to happen (or make it harder for patients to access the care we provide). Take the time to listen.

Oh, and as a bonus? This excellent Katha Pollitt essay in The Nation referencing all three of these feminist giants…

 

Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find our newest research brief, Aging Bruises Based On Color, plus our original guide, Injury Following Consensual Sex. Both available now for electronic download.

 

Categories
Sexual Assault

Why Don’t They Tell? Teens and Sexual Assault Disclosure

Since this seems pretty timely, I figured I’d go ahead and post the National Child Traumatic Stress Network‘s recently published fact sheet, Why Don’t They Tell? Teens and Sexual Assault Disclosure.  Obviously, it’s bigger than this moment in history, but the way folks are talking right now (e.g. on cable news, any social media platform), it’s clear not everyone understands the underlying issue.

 

Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find our newest research brief, Aging Bruises Based On Color, plus our original guide, Injury Following Consensual Sex. Both available now for electronic download.

Categories
DV/IPV

Evolution of the Danger Assessment

Over at the Tribal Forensic Healthcare project they are offering a great webinar in time for Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Evolution of the Danger Assessment. Kim Nash will be leading the session, offered on October 18th at 11am ET. From the announcement:

This webinar will provide education in utilizing the Danger Assessment (a tool originally developed by Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell) as part of medical forensic care for the patient who has experienced Intimate Partner Violence. The discussion will include the prevalence of IPV and associated lethality, identify appropriate components of a medical forensic exam for the IPV patient and help the learner understand the Danger Assessment and how to use it effectively in the healthcare setting.

As with all of their sessions, it will be archived, and CEs are available for nurses and physicians. Register for the webinar here.

 

Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find our newest research brief, Aging Bruises Based On Color, plus our original guide, Injury Following Consensual Sex. Both available now for electronic download.

Categories
Sexual Assault

Since Last We Spoke, 10-1-18

An FHO reader sent me an email asking where the regular Monday posts have been, and here’s the thing–I don’t have much to tell you about what I’ve been looking at since last we spoke because it’s all kind of awful. I know you all are reading the same stuff, and honestly, it’s grinding me down. To protect my psyche a bit, I’ve been trying not to read much at all these last few weekends because the weeks have been so full of terrible news. I know many of you watched, as I did, the Kavanaugh hearings last week, and by Friday, Sasha had enacted a news grayout (we weren’t fully able to commit to a blackout, but we tried pretty hard for the weekend), so weighed down were we by all of it. Bottom line–I’ve stayed off a lot of social media as of late. In fact, this weekend I took advantage of a completely last minute opportunity, hopped a flight to Chicago with my kid, caught a performance of Hamilton, and toured the University of Chicago as the ultimate act of self-care.

That being said, I point your attention toward a couple things worth your attention, particularly in light of current events and the work we do. The first is this solid overview on trauma and memory published by NPR.

The second is a TEDx talk (h/t JPW) on campus sexual assault, given last month by the excellent Dr. Sharyn Potter (acquaint yourself with a selection of her publications here). It specifically looks at one of the less-discussed aspects of campus assaults, the economic consequences. Worth your 15 minutes:

 

Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find our newest research brief, Aging Bruises Based On Color, plus our original guide, Injury Following Consensual Sex. Both available now for electronic download.