Day 2 – Full Court Press: Expert Witness Training
June 30 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm CDT
Day 2 of 2
Join the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC) and the Institute on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault at The University of Texas at Austin for a two-day multidisciplinary, experiential training designed to strengthen litigation and expert witness skills in cases involving interpersonal violence.
Designed for experienced professionals (5+ years recommended), including victim advocates, nurses, law enforcement, and attorneys, this training focuses on domestic violence/intimate partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, non-fatal strangulation, and stalking. Participants will strengthen practical courtroom skills through hands-on practice, case consultation, and training on topics including neurobiology of trauma, coercive control, expert witness testimony, and direct and cross-examination.
Featured Trainers
Margaret Bassett, LPC-S
Director of Applied Research & Innovative Instruction, Institute on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, The University of Texas at Austin
Margaret Bassett brings more than 40 years of experience in interpersonal violence, specializing in intimate partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, trauma, strangulation, safety planning, and expert testimony. She has consulted and testified in criminal, civil, military, state, and federal legal systems and trains multidisciplinary professionals nationwide on trauma-informed practice and expert witness testimony.
Kirsta Leeburg Melton
Founder & CEO, Institute to Combat Trafficking
Former Chief of the Human Trafficking Section for the Texas Attorney General’s Office, Kirsta prosecuted traffickers, child abusers, rapists, and perpetrators of family violence for nearly two decades. She led the State of Texas prosecution in the takedown of Backpage.com, helped shape Texas trafficking law, and has trained more than 30,000 professionals nationwide on trafficking investigations and prosecution.
Continuing Education Available:
• 13.75 MCLE (including 2.25 ethics)
• 14.5 CNE
• 16 CEU (including 1 ethics hour)
• TCOLE coordination available with local law enforcement
Certificates will be provided for participants who attend both days.