Dr. Chris Wilson will go beyond the basics of domestic violence, taking learners into a deeper understanding of the neurobiology of trauma experienced by those who are victimized by their intimate partners. Dr. Wilson will discuss the research on differentiating coercive controlling violence/intimate terrorism and situational couples violence, focusing on the former and explaining how threat networks get conditioned, in some cases after a single exposure in a relationship with an intimate terrorist. Building on this, Ms. Erin Greenawald will discuss how this science can inform the investigation and prosecution of domestic violence cases; from engaging with victims pre-trial and when they are on the stand testifying to presenting the case to the judge and jury, including the how, when and what of expert testimony. The session will conclude with a discussion of victim-survivor strength in the face of the neurobiological realities.

Presenters: Chris Wilson, PsyD, Portland, Oregon and Erin Greenawald, J.D., Senior Assistant Attorney General, Oregon Department of Justice.

MCLE Accreditation: An application for 2.5 general MCLE credits has been submitted to the Oregon State Bar. The training may be eligible for MCLE credit in other states; a certificate of attendance will be available after the program.