Notes from the National College

Fourteenth Annual National Conference on Domestic Violence

By Candace M. Mosley, Director of Programs

Before victim autonomy concerns surfaced, before many jurisdictions became concerned with dedicated domestic violence courts, before many groups gathered to discuss issues of vital importance regarding domestic abuse in our country and yes, way before Crawford v. Washington, the National College of District Attorneys was on the forefront addressing issues of paramount concern to victims of domestic violence and those whose vocations touch the lives of those forever scarred by these horrific acts.

This year the National College will present Healing the Broken Spirit, the Fourteenth Annual National Conference on Domestic Violence. This year's conference will be held in Anaheim, California, October 31 - November 4, during domestic violence awareness month.

There will be something for everyone at this year's multi-disciplinary conference. Realizing the importance of continuing the training of America's prosecutors, there will be sessions on new issues regarding the following topics:

• Evidence Based Prosecution:  the Impact of Crawford;
• Protecting the Record: Batson Issues;
• Effective Sentencing and Probation;
• Considerations: Maintaining Victim Autonomy;
• Assisting DV Victims Overseas;
• Show Me the Money: Fund Raising; and specialized trial advocacy tracks.

For those new to the field of DV, there will be a special DV 101 Symposium track offered before the main conference events. Finally, participatory events will include showcases highlighting DV initiatives across the country as well as a resource center where attendees, faculty and hundreds of DV organizations will provide helpful resource materials on every aspect of outreach and service to DV victims, their families and our communities.

For further information, contact the college's registrar, Brenda Kuhn, at (803) 544-5096.