Webinar Archive:  Expert Witness Series

​Webinar date:  May 15, 2015

 

Description

In this webinar, Dr. Mary Ann Dutton and Dr. Dawn Hughes discuss common concerns of experts who are preparing to take the witness stand in matters involving domestic violence.  These two very experienced expert witnesses share their knowledge from testifying in a variety of domestic violence cases and share practical advice for communicating effectively on the witness stand.  They also discuss some of the commonly encountered pitfalls faced by domestic violence expert witnesses during testimony, and offer skills for navigating complicated situations that arise while testifying.  This webinar is most helpful for experts and aspiring experts, but is also useful for attorneys who represent survivors of domestic violence.

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About the Presenters

Mary Ann Dutton, Ph.D., is Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Psychiatry, Georgetown University Medical Center, Co-Director of the Community Engagement and Research component of the Georgetown-Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science (GHUCCTS) and site Principal Investigator for the Community Engagement component of the Center for Health Disparities grant.  She is also Associate Director of the Georgetown Center for Trauma and the Community.  Dr. Dutton's experience has focused on interpersonal abuse and violence and the emotional and psychological effects of trauma exposure, as well as mindfulness interventions for healing.  Dr. Dutton has served as a forensic consultant and expert witness since 1985.

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Dawn M. Hughes, Ph.D., ABPP, is a clinical and forensic psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of interpersonal violence and traumatic stress.  Currently, Dr. Hughes maintains an independent practice in clinical and forensic psychology in New York City.  She is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Weill Medical College of Cornell University - New York Presbyterian Hospital where she supervises and conducts clinical trainings for interns.  Dr. Hughes is Board Certified in Forensic Psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology and licensed to practice in the State of New York.

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Suggested Participants

This webinar is helpful for both new and experienced domestic violence expert witnesses, as well as people who are considering working as an expert in the future.  This may include social workers, academics, and other professionals who might provide general testimony about battering and its effects.  Additionally, we encourage prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other attorneys who represent victims of domestic violence or sexual assault to participate.

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Click here to access recording.  A copy of the PowerPoint (and any other documents from the webinar) is available by clicking here.