Legal Momentum announces a new online training course, Helping Sexual Assault Victims Navigate the Criminal Justice System, designed to prepare non-lawyer victim advocates to help their clients navigate the criminal justice process. 

Sexual assault cases present a unique challenge for the judiciary. They are unique in that they are beset with a myriad of deeply held stereotypes and misconceptions that can undermine the judicial process. To assist new judges, NJEP canvassed judges across the country who had attended NJEP programs to ask what these judges wished they had known before they presided in an adult victim sexual assault case, or a case of co-perpetrated sexual abuse and domestic violence. Judges Tell presents these judges' 25 points followed by commentary and sources.

The following suggestions were developed by judges from more than 25 state and tribal jurisdictions who attended presentations of the National Judicial Education Program’s Understanding Sexual Violence curriculum. During these presentations judges were asked how they could incorporate the material explored into their role as judges during the pre-trial, trial, and sentencing phases of an adult victim sexual assault case. Their ideas are summarized here. Since laws and procedures vary, these ideas may or may not apply to your jurisdiction.

NJEP TDV Information and Resources Sheets Collected Document