TRAUMA-INFORMED TRAINING

Ms. Katie Koestner is a highly sought after national expert on sexual assault policies, victim advocacy, and sexual misconduct risk management. After appearing on the cover of TIME Magazine at age 18, Katie took her story to Capitol Hill, the United Nations, the Pentagon, Harvard and 5000+ other institutions with the goal of improving response systems, resources, and procedures to address sexual assault.

This workshop is ideal for legal professionals working in criminal justice, family law, immigration, and civil litigation who seek to deepen their understanding of trauma and enhance their advocacy for survivors.

Workshop Title

Trauma-Informed Practices for Attorneys Working with Survivors of Sexual Assault: Implementing a Whole Firm Approach

Description

This interactive workshop equips attorneys with the knowledge and skills to engage survivors of sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence and harassment through a trauma-informed lens. Participants explore the psychological and physiological impacts of trauma, learn how these effects may influence a survivor’s legal decision-making and communication, and develop strategies to foster trust, safety, and empowerment throughout the legal process. Interviews, investigations, evidence collection, and examinations can all be traumatic and triggering. Learn methods to minimize the potential for additional harm, including what to say and what not to say.

Through case studies, role-play scenarios, and expert-led discussions, attorneys will gain practical tools to:

• Recognize signs of trauma and respond with sensitivity
• Avoid re-traumatization during interviews, investigations, and courtroom proceedings
• Navigate confidentiality, consent, and survivor autonomy ethically and effectively
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support holistic survivor care
• Provide terminology options for clients: victim, survivor, alleged victim.
• Identify outward manifestation of trauma including hidden signs.
• Meet needs of survivors of any demographic identity, including LGBTQ+ and disabled individuals.
• Set communication boundaries with clients to minimize psychological drain and emotional turmoil.
• Anticipate secondary trauma from those supporting victims.
• Utilize successful strategies for un-triggering and re-regulating.