NDAA's 2026 Domestic Violence Conference

Domestic violence cases are rarely defined by a single incident. 
They are built over time—through patterns of coercive control, escalating risk, and victim dynamics that shift as a case develops. 

Prosecutors are often asked to make critical decisions early, sometimes with limited information, evolving victim participation, and evidence that does not always present clearly at first glance. 

Recognizing risk—and building cases that hold as those dynamics shift—is essential. NDAA’s 2026 Domestic Violence Conference is designed to support that work. 

This is not a theoretical program. It is a practical, prosecutor-focused training built around how domestic violence cases are identified, developed, and prosecuted in real conditions—across investigation, charging decisions, and trial strategy. 

Participants will examine how cases evolve over time, how to identify key indicators of escalating risk, and how to build cases that remain strong—even when victim participation changes. 

What You Will Do in This Program 

This program combines targeted instruction with practical application so participants can move beyond awareness and into strategy. 

Throughout the program, you will: 

• Identify and respond to lethality risk indicators, including strangulation and stalking 

• Build prosecutable cases without relying solely on victim testimony 

• Apply trauma-informed approaches to strengthen victim engagement and case outcomes 

•  Integrate forensic evidence and expert testimony into case strategy 

• Develop approaches to presenting coercive control and victim behavior clearly in court 

But just as important as the content is the room. 

A Room Built for Real Case Work 

This program is designed for prosecutors and multidisciplinary partners actively handling domestic violence cases. 

Participants learn alongside peers from across the country, examining how different offices approach similar challenges—what holds, what shifts, and what strengthens a case over time. 

Sessions emphasize practical application, connecting early case decisions to how cases are ultimately presented in court. 

You will not just hear what works. 
You will see how cases are built—and how strategy adapts under real conditions. 

Course Structure 

Day 1: Understanding Violence Dynamics 
Examine patterns of coercive control, trauma, and escalating risk, including stalking and strangulation. 

Day 2: Litigation Strategy & Evidence 
Focus on building cases through legal strategy, forensic evidence, and expert testimony—especially when victim participation shifts. 

Day 3: Investigation, Collaboration & Implementation 
Connect multidisciplinary response, case development, and trial preparation from first report through resolution 

Key Topics Include 

• Coercive control and patterns of abuse 

• Strangulation as a lethality indicator 

• Stalking and escalating violence 

• Trauma-informed prosecution and victim engagement 

• Cases without victim testimony (Crawford and forfeiture) 

• Forensic evidence and expert testimony 

• Multidisciplinary collaboration and coordinated response 

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Who This Program Is For 

This course is designed for: 

• Prosecutors handling domestic violence and high-risk interpersonal violence cases 

• Investigators and law enforcement partners 

• Victim advocates and multidisciplinary team members 

• Professionals responsible for case development, strategy, and prosecution 
   

If you are responsible for how these cases are built and presented, this training is designed for you.