Public Speaking
Understanding Rape Trauma Behavior
Sheri Vanino, PsyD
October 2009, 21st Annual Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance Conference, Keystone Colorado
July 2008, 2nd Annual Sex Offender Management Board Conference, Breckenridge CO
Many sexual assault victims engage in symptoms and behavior that is confusing and may even lead others to believe the victim is lying or has falsely reported. This highly interactive workshop is geared towards helping participants gain a better psychological understanding of typical rape trauma behavior. Such normal behavior as delayed reporting, memory problems, not fighting back, dissociation, avoidance and minimization will be addressed. The psychobiology of brain functioning under traumatic conditions will also be discussed as a way to understand why sexual assault victims behave the way they do.
Top Ten Defenses to Non-Stranger Sexual Assault Cases & How to Defeat Them
John Clune, Esq.
October 2009, 21st Annual Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance Conference, Keystone Colorado
This session will take an inside look the most effective defense strategies in non-stranger sexual assault cases from the initial investigation to closing argument. Mr. Clune will examine defense techniques like manipulating law enforcement, pre-filing polygraphs, intervening with the DA pre-filing, pre-trial pressure on the victim and victim’s family, victim-blaming, sequestration of witnesses at trial, and several others. The audience should expect to learn not just the nuts and bolts of these defenses but also what the defense strategy is surrounding them. Come with your best "I’ve got this one case . . ." stories as we will address techniques that can be implemented by each member of the criminal justice system, from crime scene advocate to investigator to prosecutor that will help prevent and/or overcome these tactics and increase criminal convictions.
Protecting Victim Privacy in a High Profile Sexual Assault Case
John Clune, Esq.
March 2009, National College of District Attorneys, San Diego, CA
November 2008, National College of District Attorneys, Orlando, FL
July 2008, National District Attorneys Association, Tuscan, AZ
February 2008, National Sexual Assault Law Institute, New Orleans, LA
This session will present some of the unique challenges lawyers and legal advocates are likely to confront in trying to protect the privacy of a victim when a civil or criminal case is in the media and public spotlight. The court of public opinion can have a systemic and meaningful impact on the victim, lawyers, witnesses, judges, law enforcement, and potential jurors and should not be underestimated. Understanding the potential harm that can stem from such massive media attention will give litigators and advocates a better understanding of how to prepare their case and the victim for this level of scrutiny. The case will draw on Mr. Clune's experience as the lawyer who represented the victim in the criminal and civil cases against Kobe Bryant and other high profile cases.