Increasingly victims of crime are being sued by offenders for reporting crimes, participating in criminal and other legal processes, and speaking out about their experience. Being able to help connect people to legal resources and information when they are facing this kind of case is a valuable tool for everyone working with victims of crime. In this session, we will talk about anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) lawsuits and remedies, accessing insurance and other resources, collaboration, and how best to support someone who is facing yet another kind of victimization, via the legal system. We will share about Colorado’s response to these cases, and discuss next steps for advancing legal protections for victims.

presented by

Kazi Houston, Emily Tofte Nestaval

We all want to know that what we do makes a difference. Sometimes the day-to-day grind can leave us feeling disconnected from the deeper impact that our work has on the world, and we can become disillusioned by the size of the task at hand. In this profound and impactful talk, Survivor Katie Wee will share how having people believe and fight for her changed the narrative of her life, and within the dance industry at large. Justice-minded professionals will leave this talk feeling inspired and remembering that their work has impact and meaning beyond what they could possibly comprehend

presented by

Meg Garvin, Katie Wee

In this presentation, Assistant Disciplinary Counsel for the Oregon State Bar, Alison Wilkinson, will discuss ethical obligations that are likely to arise when working with victims of crime. Through case examples and hypotheticals, you will leave this presentation with a better understanding of how to satisfy your professional responsibilities while best advocating for victims.

presented by

Alison Wilkinson, Assistant Disciplinary Counsel, Oregon State Bar

Civilian advocates and attorneys can provide valuable victims’ rights support and advocacy for victims in military justice proceedings – yet few non-military members are sufficiently familiar with the military justice system and how civilian-provided advocacy can support victims’ rights in military justice. Join members of the NCVLI legal team in a facilitated discussion with a seasoned military advocate and an experienced military attorney for victims that is designed to familiarize civilian victim service providers with military processes, rights and options for survivors. Participants will gain a better understanding of how civilian advocates and attorneys can work with military-connected victims in ways that help protect and promote their rights.

presented by

Lieutenant Colonel Leah Eccles Watson, Policy Officer, National Guard Special Victims' Counsel Program & Sergeant First Class Freyja E. Eccles, Intern & Victim Advocate, National Crime Victim Law Institute

State rules of professional conduct limit when attorneys and certain non-attorneys with whom they work can communicate directly with crime victims who are represented by counsel. This training explores these limitations in the context of victims’ rights law and practice. NCVLI will provide a brief overview of the scope and application of no-contact rules to communications with represented victims. Two experienced victims’ rights attorneys – Jamie Balson from Legal Services for Crime Victims in Arizona and Mariam El-menshawi from California Victims Legal Resource Center – will then share their experiences with, and practice tips for, navigating no-contact rules while also facilitating victims' access to their rights.

presented by

Susie Cowen, National Crime Victim Law Institute & Jamie Balson, Crime Victims' Rights Attorney, Legal Services for Crime Victims in Arizona

Trauma-Informed awareness is a critically important factor in successful lawyering. This presentation will give participants an overview of how trauma affects both clients and attorneys. It will also provide practical skills for attorneys in their advocacy work for children and adults who have been the victims of violence. In addition, it will address steps attorneys can take in their own self-care while dealing with trauma in their clients.

presented by

Amber Kinney, J.D. Amber Kinney Law & Sheldon Levy, Ph.D., M.P.H