The “National Institute on the Prosecution of Domestic Violence” (NIPDV) is a three-and-a-half-day interactive training that explores the complex issues that arise in intimate partner violence cases. The Institute challenges prosecutors to exercise sound judgment and creativity in their efforts to hold offenders accountable while minimizing the burdens that the criminal justice process places on victims. The curriculum focuses on the importance of evidence-based prosecution and includes the following topics:
- Practical case evaluation,
- Risk assessment,
- Coordinated community response,
- Trauma-informed interviewing,
- Strangulation,
- Witness intimidation and forfeiture by wrongdoing,
- Trial strategies,
- Expert testimony,
- Cultural humility, and
- Ethical considerations.
NIPDV offers prosecutors the opportunity to refine their skills and to re-examine the meaning of justice in domestic violence cases through the use of hypothetical case problems, role-playing exercises, small group discussions, and mini-lectures. NIPDV's highly interactive format enables prosecutors from different jurisdictions, with varied levels of experience, to learn from one another by engaging in "real-life" scenarios and mock court proceedings. Participants will gain knowledge and skills they can immediately apply to their work. Prosecutors will leave NIPDV with new ideas and a renewed sense of commitment and energy for keeping victims and communities safe and holding offenders accountable.
This course is open to prosecutors only, and attendance is free of charge; however, priority will be given to Office for Violence Against Women grantees. There is no limit to the number of attendees from any jurisdiction. Seating is limited and applicants are encouraged to apply early.