Categories
Sexual Assault

A Campus-Wide Response to Sexual Misconduct: Best Practices

The Forensic Center of Excellence is hosting a webinar, A Campus-Wide Response to Sexual Misconduct: Best Practices. The session will be held August 7th at 1pm ET. I want to caveat this post by saying that I am *extremely* leary of almost anything claiming to be a best practice because it’s an almost meaningless phrase that people often declare of their own work without much evidence to support it (this isn’t specific to this webinar or this presenter, but much of what is presented in the forensic healthcare and -adjacent space). That being said, there are some interesting topics here, and it’s probably worth the 90 minutes. From the website:

This webinar highlights the dynamics of campus sexual assault that may be specific to, or heightened in the context of, a college or university setting. Additionally, the presenter discusses best practices in three areas of response to sexual misconduct on campus – encouraging reporting and use of supportive resources; resolution practices (including investigative/adjudicatory processes, adaptable resolution processes, and coordination with law enforcement); and interim and post-resolution measures. The webinar integrates information about the legal framework within which institutions must operate (e.g., Title IX, VAWA, Clery, case law, state laws, etc) with the nuances of supporting students and creating a safe and respectful campus climate.

Register here.

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Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find the newest research brief, Applying The Strangulation Research To Expert Testimony In Cases With Adult Victims. Or purchase the complete set of three (Strangulation, Aging Bruises, and Consensual Sex Injury) for a special price.

Categories
Child Abuse Sexual Assault

It Really is “Normal to be Normal” in Child Sexual Abuse

SAFEta has a webinar coming up on a popular topic, It Really is “Normal to be Normal” in Child Sexual Abuse. Dr. Karen Farst will be the speaker. The session will be held September 26th at 2pm ET. Like all their webinars, it will be archived. From the registration page:

The majority of children who have been sexually abused do not have residual findings of physical injury on the medical examination. Case based scenarios will be used to discuss how the anatomy of pre and post pubertal children and the dynamics of child sexual abuse (including disclosure dynamics) play into this fact. Key literature references will be provided and summarized for use in court preparation on “normal” cases.

Register here.

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Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find the newest research brief, Applying The Strangulation Research To Expert Testimony In Cases With Adult Victims. Or purchase the complete set of three (Strangulation, Aging Bruises, and Consensual Sex Injury) for a special price.

Categories
Uncategorized

Since Last We Spoke, 7-29-19

Greetings to you all on this busy Monday morning. Back in the office for the week, and then it’s off to Newport, RI next weekend to teach one of my favorite courses of the year for the Navy and Marine Corps. Not every place I travel is particularly delightful, but this one is not a hardship, particularly in August. Plus, I am lucky enough to be teaching with my crew, so, you know…

A very happiest of birthdays to the girlchild who turned 18 this past week. Hard to believe we are less than a month away from launching this kid into college, and honestly, it’s a super exciting time around here. Especially with her being pretty close to home (2 hours by train, not that we have mapped it out).

It was relatively low key around here this weekend, with both Sasha and I having been on the road on opposite sides of the country last week. We managed to play tourist in our own city a bit yesterday, which was lovely. And there was still time to surf–here’s what caught my eye since last we spoke:

This is such a great, uplifting story: car mechanic to MD at 47

These reports will never stop coming

A powerful OpEd by 148 patriots

Neurosexism

AAP’s new statement on the health impact of racism

Sex and strangulation

There is an epidemic of suicides among seniors

She was assaulted by a State Senator–now she’s running for Congress

This 1st person essay about abortion is really timely

Start your week off right with the incredibly joyful Lizzo’s Tiny Desk Concert (NSFW if your workplace has issues with language 🙂 )

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Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find the newest research brief, Applying The Strangulation Research To Expert Testimony In Cases With Adult Victims. Or purchase the complete set of three (Strangulation, Aging Bruises, and Consensual Sex Injury) for a special price.

Categories
Testimony

Updated Clinical Guide: Court Testimony

Court testimony is the most popular subject on FHO, and not surprisingly, also the most popular clinical guide. It has now been updated with the latest research and guidance from the peer-reviewed journals, so there’s a good deal of new stuff to review.

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Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find the newest research brief, Applying The Strangulation Research To Expert Testimony In Cases With Adult Victims. Or purchase the complete set of three (Strangulation, Aging Bruises, and Consensual Sex Injury) for a special price.

Categories
Uncategorized

Since Last We Spoke, 7-22-19

I’m in Pensacola, FL this week and my time will definitely not belong to me, so posts may be sparse. I worked a good portion of the weekend, but travel left me a bit of time to surf (and the heatwave in much of the US, including DC meant retreating indoors anyway)–here’s what caught my eye since last we spoke:

A former medical student who raped an unconscious woman “availed himself of an opportunity” he could not resist due to the stress of “leading an exemplary life,” his lawyer has argued.

My rage read for the weekend

Excellent writing/editing recommendations

Such a lovely and moving essay (and a gift to families)

Padma, on point

I adore the dictionary in the age of social media

This was probably the loveliest thing I read all weekend

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Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find the newest research brief, Applying The Strangulation Research To Expert Testimony In Cases With Adult Victims. Or purchase the complete set of three (Strangulation, Aging Bruises, and Consensual Sex Injury) for a special price.

Categories
Sexual Assault

Updated Clinical Guide: Toluidine Blue Dye

Our 2nd update for the week is now available: the updated clinical guide on the use of toluidine blue dye in the examination of sexual assault patients. New research articles, new books, and links to the National Protocols all can be found in this update, so it’s worth perusing if you haven’t been by in a while.

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Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find the newest research brief, Applying The Strangulation Research To Expert Testimony In Cases With Adult Victims. Or purchase the complete set of three (Strangulation, Aging Bruises, and Consensual Sex Injury) for a special price.

Categories
Testimony

Updated Clinical Guide: Social Media Use for Forensic Clinicians

In our course last week we naturally discussed social media use (as we do), and it made me realize that it is high time I went through the clinical guides and gave them all a facelift. So one by one, as I have the time, I will be tackling them in the quiet(er) moments of what’s left of the summer. First up is social media use for forensic clinicians. Plenty of new research articles and other resources for you to peruse in this one. Hope you find it helpful.

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Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find the newest research brief, Applying The Strangulation Research To Expert Testimony In Cases With Adult Victims. Or purchase the complete set of three (Strangulation, Aging Bruises, and Consensual Sex Injury) for a special price.

Categories
DV/IPV

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals in Victim Services

There aren’t too many topics out there that we haven’t covered here at FHO, but this is one of them. OVC TTAC is hosting an Expert Q&A next month, Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals in Victim Services. The session will be held August 21st from 2-3:15pm, and will also be recorded for later viewing. From the announcement:

During this session, practical information will be provided to direct service providers and other programs open to the public about service and support animals. Learn the differences between service animals, crisis response canines, emotional support animals, therapy animals, and pets. Find out the laws in the United States that apply to these animals, including the Fair Housing Act, and learn about New Mexico’s “Model Guidelines for Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals in Domestic Violence Programs and Shelters,” which provides policy suggestions and other tips for working with clients who have emotional support animals and how to respectfully respond when someone tries to bring in a dog or animal that isn’t appropriate for public access.

Register here.

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Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find the newest research brief, Applying The Strangulation Research To Expert Testimony In Cases With Adult Victims. Or purchase the complete set of three (Strangulation, Aging Bruises, and Consensual Sex Injury) for a special price.

Categories
Uncategorized

Since Last We Spoke, 7-15-19

We had a fantastic class at the NAC last week. A diverse and talented group of clinicians and prosecutors spent several days with us, and I am pretty sure the faculty left just as energized as the students. It continues to be one of my very favorite courses to teach and this year did not disappoint. Honestly, we could run that course quarterly and still have a waitlist, so please, if you are interested in attending, but haven’t been able to, keep applying. Just know that we probably won’t accept multiple people from one program, and we will definitely prioritize people who apply with a prosecutor from their jurisdiction. FYI, if you’re going to the IAFN conference in New Orleans, I will be doing 3 sessions related to testimony: 2 with Leslie Hagan (repeats from last year, but extended to 3 hours–one on language, one on ethics), and a brand new one (90 minutes) with Sasha on cross-examination. My sessions are almost always full, so please register if you’re interested. Last year they actually turned folks away, so…

I’m home this week before I hit the road for what basically begins the Fall travel marathon (which, yes, begins in July). I had some quiet time to myself over the weekend, since Sasha took the pup camping (hard pass), so I had a bit of time to read–here’s what caught my eye since last we spoke:

How useful IS that doctorate (I always appreciate a good discussion on degree-seeking, because I am not a fan of racking up degrees for the sake of, well, racking up degrees)

An epidemic of disbelief

Antibiotic resistance continues its problematic and persistent march on

Excuse me, may I raise your child?

This bill includes critical safety protections

Sex abuse wasn’t just a Nassar problem in American gymnastics

This seems accurate

Come on, men–be better. Also, how hard is it to cite?

A feel-good long read about seahorses, because, Monday

I don’t know–this seems…timely.

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Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find the newest research brief, Applying The Strangulation Research To Expert Testimony In Cases With Adult Victims. Or purchase the complete set of three (Strangulation, Aging Bruises, and Consensual Sex Injury) for a special price.

Categories
Articles of Note Child Abuse DV/IPV Elder Abuse/Neglect Sexual Assault

Articles of Note: July 2019 Edition

It’s time once again for Articles of Note, our monthly romp through the peer-reviewed literature. This month there’s quite a bit that’s freely downloadable, so look for the FREE FULL TEXT notations for immediate gratification. Otherwise, links lead to PubMed abstracts and you can take it from there. Plenty here to keep you occupied…

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Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find the newest research brief, Applying The Strangulation Research To Expert Testimony In Cases With Adult Victims. Or purchase the complete set of three (Strangulation, Aging Bruises, and Consensual Sex Injury) for a special price.

Categories
Child Abuse DV/IPV Elder Abuse/Neglect Sexual Assault Testimony

Using Expert Eyes and Ears to Document What We See and Hear

SAFEta has a webinar coming up, On Looking and Writing: A Guide to Using Expert Eyes and Ears to Document What We See and Hear. The session will be held August 15th at 2pm ET. From the registration:

This webinar will help participants unlock their ability to see and write; to document their patient’s physical state and behaviors in an accurate manner. You will learn how to “paint a picture” with your words and accurately describe outward appearance, visible behavior, speech and eye contact using instantly understandable language.

Register for the webinar here.

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Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find the newest research brief, Applying The Strangulation Research To Expert Testimony In Cases With Adult Victims. Or purchase the complete set of three (Strangulation, Aging Bruises, and Consensual Sex Injury) for a special price.


Categories
Uncategorized

Since Last We Spoke, 7-8-19

It’s going to be a pretty busy week at FHO headquarters as we head to Columbia, SC and the National Advocacy Center for what is my very favorite course to teach. I’ll try to keep posts regular, but things may get away from me–we’ll see. I hope everyone celebrating the 4th of July holiday enjoyed their longish weekend. We got away to the mountains for a minute, but still managed to make it home in time to watch the big game. And what a game it was!

I had screaming fast wifi at the cabin, so here’s what caught my eye since last we spoke:

Who could have seen women arrested for things like this? Oh right–so many of us. Thankfully, charges were dropped.

Also, not for nothing, but we knew it wouldn’t stop with abortion

In other stories of injustice

The CEO of Planned Parenthood on why her recent miscarriage only strengthened her commitment to women’s health

Ah yes–people ignoring sexual violence and still getting paid [well]

Apps that can help improve your writing (I’ve been using Grammerly for years and love it)

In case you missed it, ANA’s letter to DHS on the treatment of migrant families at the border (PDF)

New study on brain injuries from domestic violence

Why the USWNT’s open queerness matters

Forever and ever, amen:
Categories
Sexual Assault

Sexual Violence and Opioids Annotated Bibliography

I wanted to point your attention to a recently published annotated bibliography by NSVRC on sexual violence and opioids (PDF). I’m such a huge fan of these types of compilations (obviously), and this is a topic that hasn’t been well covered. There’s some ACEs stuff in here, some IPV, and of course, adult sexual violence, so it spans age ranges. Worth adding to your library and distributing among your teams.

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Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find the newest research brief, Applying The Strangulation Research To Expert Testimony In Cases With Adult Victims. Or purchase the complete set of three (Strangulation, Aging Bruises, and Consensual Sex Injury) for a special price.

Categories
Child Abuse Sexual Assault

Pediatric Sexually Transmitted Infection Update

SAFEta has a webinar coming up featuring Dr. Lori Frasier, Pediatric Sexually Transmitted Infection Update. The session will be held July 25th at 2pm ET. It will be archived so no worries if you can’t attend live. From the announcement:

Dr. Lori Frasier, professor of pediatrics chief of the division of child abuse pediatrics at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital will discuss pediatric STI’s and HIV testing updates, when to test for STI’s, the implications of positive tests and transmission of these infections.

Register here.

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Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find the newest research brief, Applying The Strangulation Research To Expert Testimony In Cases With Adult Victims. Or purchase the complete set of three (Strangulation, Aging Bruises, and Consensual Sex Injury) for a special price.

Categories
Child Abuse Sexual Assault

And…We’re Back! Plus, Pediatric Case Studies

I hope everyone had a wonderful June. Our family had an amazing time in Japan, and now I am down in Charlottesville with the girlchild for college orientation for a few days. The vacation was a wonderful reset, and I am ready to get back to work. Let’s not waste any time, shall we?

Jumping right back into education with one of my very favorite presenters: Dr. Sharon Cooper is doing a session on pediatric case studies for the Tribal Forensic Healthcare project. The webinar will be held August 2nd at 11am (sorry Alaska and Hawaii, but take heart, all their sessions are archived, so listening live isn’t the only option). CEs are available for both nurses and physicians. From the announcement:

Forensic nurses provide specialized care for the pediatric patient who is presenting for health care related to known or suspected child maltreatment. A variety of case studies will be reviewed including parental opioid use, sexual assault, exploitation and children exposed to violence.

Register here.

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Have you checked out the FHO store lately? You can find the newest research brief, Applying The Strangulation Research To Expert Testimony In Cases With Adult Victims. Or purchase the complete set of three (Strangulation, Aging Bruises, and Consensual Sex Injury) for a special price.