Responding effectively to crimes of intimate partner violence against victims who identify as LGBTQ+ presents unique challenges. These victims may be reluctant to report the crimes for fear of being mistreated, criticized, or involuntarily outed in the process and when they do report, they may lack community support for continued engagement with the criminal justice proceedings. We can improve our response to these crimes and our ability to serve these victims by refining existing best practices to address LGBTQ+ issues and partnering with those who provide advocacy and other services in the LGBTQ+ community.

This presentation focuses on prosecution strategies to overcome these challenges and enhance our response. The webinar recording examines intimate partner violence in LGBTQ+ relationships and the additional hurdles these victims encounter when reporting the abuse and participating in the criminal justice process. The presenters also highlight considerations for communicating with victims and preparing them for trial, engaging with service providers to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ victims and witnesses, and educating judges and juries about dynamics of LGBTQ+ relationships.

Who Should View
Allied justice system professionals including but not limited to prosecutors, law enforcement officers, community-based service providers, medical and mental health practitioners, probation and parole officers, judges, etc. are encouraged to view this webinar recording.

CLE Credits
This one-hour webinar recording should qualify prosecutors for one (1.0) hour of continuing legal education credits. Prosecutors are encouraged to contact their state bar association in reference to application requirements and related fees.