Notes from the National College

By Candace M. Mosley
Director of National Programs
National College of District Attorneys

The National College of District Attorneys will present the 13th Annual National Conference on Domestic Violence in New Orleans, September 29 - October 2, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The conference will provide many formats which will be conducive to attendees networking and sharing issues regarding the difficult challenges these complex cases present. Building on the success of last year’s conference, there will be tracks for those new to the field of domestic violence as well as those experienced in these issues. New this year will be sessions which will afford prosecutors in domestic violence units an opportunity to practice time-tested advocacy techniques and strategies for increasing understanding and persuasion in case presentation.

Prosecutors will have an excellent opportunity to highlight innovative domestic violence initiatives within their own offices and help others develop strategies to reduce domestic violence and increase safety for survivors and their families.

Some topics that the National College will address at the conference include:

• Exposing Myths and Dealing with Realities
• Prosecution of Rape by Intimate Partner
• Developing Safety Plans
• Preparing the Difficult Witness for Trial
• Injury Causation in Domestic Violence Cases
• Elder Abuse Prosecution
• Prosecuting Cases without the Victim’s Participation—Evidence Based Prosecution
• Federal Prosecution of Domestic Violence Cases
• Policy Collaboration that Reduces Risks and Liabilities
• Selecting and Addressing the Jury: Confronting Nullification Issues
• Forensic DNA
• Ethical Issues in the Investigation, Preparation and Trial of the Domestic Violence Case

This multi-disciplinary conference is designed for all individuals who work on behalf of domestic violence survivors and their families. Our experienced and diverse faculty members will provide the tools needed to battle and develop policies that not only affect survivors, but also enhance safety in our workplaces, schools and communities.

Join us in New Orleans September 29 - October 2 for this conference designed to help you help victims of domestic violence.