Domestic Violence Boot Camp: Expert Witness Testimony

Please note that by submitting a registration, you are applying for the course but have not been approved. Individuals who are accepted into the course will be notified by email no later than end of day on October 11, 2024. Since this is an acceptance-based course, do NOT submit for payment until you have been accepted.

*Trainings are not open to the public. Attendance is limited to staff employed by law enforcement or government agencies and non-profits who assist with family violence cases.

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The Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia, AEquitas, and the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council are delighted to announce our highly anticipated Domestic Violence Boot Camp. This year's course will have a focus on Expert Witness Testimony.

Domestic Violence Boot Camp: Expert Witness Testimony

October 23 - 24, 2024

*Agenda coming soon

Course Overview: Assumptions about victims of domestic and sexual violence and how they "should" react often conflict with the ways victims actually respond to the physical and emotional trauma of those assaults. If left unexplained at trial, these misconceptions can severely impact the outcome of a case. Experienced professionals familiar with the effects of trauma and the range of individual responses to trauma can provide judges and juries with the necessary context to ensure that they are making informed decisions based on the evidence.

Presentations will focus on common victim responses to trauma, as well as their impact on fact finders' assessment of victim credibility in domestic and sexual violence cases. The presenters will summarize Georgia law related to the introduction of expert testimony and highlight the importance of deciding how and when to introduce it. The presentation will also focus on strategies for identifying experts and how to use experts during the investigation and preparation of a case for trial, even if the testimony will not be introduced.

The course will provide at least 8 hours of CLE, POST, and Advocate Credits.

Application / Registration

Applications will be accepted until September 27th. Accepted attendees will be informed no later than October 11, 2024. There is a $100 registration fee. Do not submit payment until you are accepted into the course. The payment deadline is October 18th for those accepted. Payment must be either received or in the mail by this date. No refunds or swaps are available after this date unless approved by Kelli Baxter. Please read our No Show Policy​​ here.

Lodging

You are responsible for your own lodging. The suggested lodging list is located under the Documents tab listed above.

Reimbursement

Reimbursement of attendees is based on the availability of state funds for that purpose. For District Attorney personnel, reimbursements come from the approved Judicial Circuit travel budget. Employees of Solicitors-General offices are eligible for up to $750 reimbursement per Fiscal year. Employees of other agencies are not eligible for reimbursement by PAC. PAC will provide light snacks, coffee, and water. Lunch is provided on day one only.

Please email us at training@pacga.org or give us a call with questions. Thank you!