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Victims with Disabilities: The Forensic Interview—Techniques for Interviewing Victims with Communication and/or Cognitive Disabilities (April 2007)
This 57-minute DVD (NCJ 212894) provides a specific set of guidelines for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, victim advocates, forensic interviewers, and others for interviewing adults and children with communication and/or cognitive disabilities. An interactive companion discussion guide including a complete transcript of the DVD and a glossary of terms and concepts used in the film is also available.
I wanted to pass this on to folks as a resource. I was honored to be asked to serve on the committee that oversaw the production of this piece and personally think that it will assist with providing an avenue for more prosecutions of perpetrators as well as providing justice for individuals with disabilities. This video is an educational piece however and should not be used as replacement for a solid and well educated forensic interviewer who provides services for individuals with disabilities. But it will assist professionals, especially when there is not a forensic interviewer available that has experience and training working with victims that have disabilities. We have unfortunately found that to be the case more often than not and I'd also urge folks to ensure that there are professionals being trained in this area as well.
The DVD is free so please, please use it as a resource and insist that your local jurisdictions have access to this prior to incidents taking place. Additionally I want to also remind folks of another DVD that is also available at no cost. I was also involved with this piece and feel that this too is very well done.
Within all of this we as community members, advocates, parents, etc. have to realize that we are the ones that can provide this resource information to others. We are very, very lucky to have had the Department of Justice recognize the need for these materials and provide funding for their production, however they will not assist unless they are utilized. We also cannot wait for this to happen to our loved one or others, these educational tools need to be in place prior to incidents taking place and to provide the realization that there also should be avenues for prevention of abuse and victimization as well.
There are also a variety of materials on the DOJ website that folks can order, and I'd encourage you to do so and also provide this information to your local professionals. It's essential within serving all victims of crime, especially those who are most vulnerable.
It is also not to late to recognize national Crime Victim's Rights Week which begins tomorrow. Here is some info on how you can assist with that:
In preparation for National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW), OVC has launched a banner gallery of static and animated ads for you to use in your awareness initiatives. Each ad promotes the NCVRW dates—April 22–28, 2007—and theme—Victims' Rights: Every Victim. Every Time.
Respectfully,
Carolyn Gammicchia
Crime Victims with Disabilities: What the Prosecutor Needs to Know About Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation & Traumatic Brain Injury
©2006 CDAA, funded by the United States Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women |
| Description: |
In this two and one-half hour DVD program, experts from across the United States, in the fields of prosecution, law enforcement, medicine, education, and social services, present techniques for accommodating individuals, conducting interviews, and presenting cases in court. Diagnoses of autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and traumatic brain injury are explained. Individuals with disabilities share perspectives and experiences. A model interagency team response is profiled. |
| Target Audience: |
This program is designed for professionals responsible for the investigation and prosecution of crimes against adults with disabilities, particularly of a communicative or cognitive nature. |
| MCLE: |
Attorneys licensed by the California State Bar may earn two and one- half hours of self-study credit. Attorneys outside of California should check with their own State CLE requirements. |
| Cost: |
Free to prosecutors and law enforcement while supply lasts. This program is only available in DVD. Professionals in other categories may call CDAA to inquire. |
| Ordering: |
Interested individuals should call CDAA [Phone: 916-443-2017]. |
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