Virtual Workshop: Understanding Sexual Assault Trauma and Considerations for Conducting a Trauma-Informed Interview

This virtual workshop discussed the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to sexual assault response and present an introduction to the neurobiology of trauma and how trauma impacts survivors of sexual assault. Additionally, the presenters highlighted best practices aligned with national recommendations for interacting with sexual assault survivors during a SAFE and maintaining a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach during a law enforcement survivor interview. This no-cost, online event welcomed a broad audience including SANEs, law enforcement investigators, advocates, prosecutors, criminal justice practitioners representing federal, state, and local agencies, as well as subject matter experts from across the United States.

The workshop presenters are subject matter experts Kelly Taylor, a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Sexual Assault Care Coordinator, and Forensic Healthcare Program Manager at the Womack Army Medical Center, and Jordan Satinsky, the Deputy Director of the Special Victims Investigations Division within the Montgomery County Police Department.

This interactive workshop occurred on Zoom, a Peer-to-Peer platform. Registration was capped at 500 participants. The workshop kicked-off with a presentation from Kelly Taylor on the neurobiology of trauma, including case studies drawn from her experiences, followed by a presentation from Jordan Satinsky highlighting a law enforcement approach to trauma-informed victim-centered interviewing. The day concluded with a facilitated and interactive discussion with the presenters. This event was scheduled from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Eastern on Wednesday, February 16, 2022.