The presence of an interpreter skilled in sexual assault cases is critical: the victim is traumatized, the court system is frightening, and encountering an unskilled or biased interpreter can be devastating to a victim. Unfortunately, most court interpreters lack training on sexual assault and domestic violence issues. Unqualified or unprofessional court interpreters can mislead both- victims and judges through personal biases or intentional and/or unintentional misinterpretations. It is essential that judges have an understanding of the critical role interpreters play in sexual assault cases.
This curriculum will teach participants how to:
- Identify the objections to having victims’ family, friends or community members interpret in cases of sexual assault or domestic violence
- Identify the objections to having victims’ children interpret in cases of sexual assault or domestic violence
- Be alert to possible unethical behavior by professional interpreters in cases of sexual assault and domestic violence
- Know the resources available to enhance court interpreter service
- Work with their AOC to improve training and certification for court interpreters
- Aspects of the model curricula:
- NJEP’s curriculum is available at no charge for a variety of uses: it can be utilized as the basis for in-person trainings and webinars or reviewed by individuals online.
- The curriculum consists of:
- A faculty manual for teachers
- A Power Point presentation with suggested commentary
- Exercises for participants
- Handouts for participants
- The curriculum can be adapted to local laws and practices
Aspects of the model curricula:
- NJEP’s curriculum is available at no charge for a variety of uses: it can be utilized as the basis for in-person trainings and webinars or reviewed by individuals online.
- The curriculum consists of:
- A faculty manual for teachers
- A Power Point presentation with suggested commentary
- Exercises for participants
- Handouts for participants
- The curriculum can be adapted to local laws and practices
