Departing the Ordinary: Rethinking How We Sustain Ourselves in These Careers

Presenter: Elena Doskey de Lobon @ A Future Not Our Own

Description:
Traditional approaches to reducing secondary traumatic stress (STS) or burnout involve individuals engaging in restorative practices after work. For decades, this has been the approach and for decades, professionals in the trauma field continue to burnout or experience levels of STS that result in them leaving the field and in victims of crime being made more vulnerable than they already were. Rather than waiting to recover exclusively after work, the Components for Enhancing Clinician Experience and Reducing Trauma (CE-CERT) model developed by Brian Miller, Ph.D. asks us to depart the ordinary, tried-and-found-wanting practices and proposes micro-interventions done throughout the day, because jogging and journaling just is not enough. This keynote will provide an overview of the five skill domains (i.e., conscious narrative/assigning meaning to your story, experiential engagement/feeling the feels, reducing rumination/stopping the spin, reducing emotional labor/making the work less effortful, and parasympathetic recovery/resetting and recovering).

Objectives:
1. Compare CE-CERT’s philosophy to reducing secondary trauma and burnout with traditional approaches.
2. Summarize the five skill domains in the CE-CERT model.
3. Examine how to apply the CE-CERT skills throughout the workday.

The Influence Of Culture On The Community That We Serve & Gender Bias In Policing

Presenter: Mark Wynn @ Nashville Metropolitan Police Department

Description:
During this session students will discuss how culture, popular culture, and media (social media, news, films, music, etc.) influence the way society thinks about sexual assault and gender-based violence. They will identify several ways in which gender bias may affect policing practices in sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking response. The participants will develop strategies to mitigate the influences of cultural myths, misperceptions, and gender bias on agency members. In addition, the students will see the benefits to practicing cultural humility while understanding why some communities may feel uncomfortable reporting to law enforcement.

Readily Identifying and Effectively Responding to Stalking in Criminal and Family Court Cases

Presenter: Dana Fleitman & Jennifer Landhuis @ Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC)

Description:
Stalking is a crime that warrants special attention by courts because victims report experiencing stalking at much higher rates than the justice system identifies it. Stalking can appear in any type of case and so judicial officers should consider stalking in all types of legal proceedings; it is particularly important to look for indicators when the parties know one another and/or there is evidence of ongoing harmful contact. Whichever type of case stalking occurs in, judicial officers are encouraged to make specific findings of fact regarding stalking and issue detailed orders designed to stop stalking behaviors, hold offenders accountable, and prevent dangerous consequences.

Objectives:
This session will assist judicial officers in identifying stalking behaviors and effectively responding to stalking as a standalone issue and as it intersects with domestic violence and in many family and civil court cases.

Domestic Violence Offender Intervention in Idaho

Presenter: Amber Moe, Senior Program Manager @ Center for Justice Innovation & ICDVVA Board

Description:
This panel discussion will provide an overview of domestic violence offender intervention programs in Idaho, including the role of state-level oversight, program expectations, and how intervention services fit within the broader coordinated community response to domestic violence.
The session will begin with an overview of domestic violence offender intervention in Idaho, including the purpose of intervention programs, the importance of accountability-based practices, and key considerations for referral sources and community partners. Panelists will then share perspectives from active intervention providers, including how their programs operate, common challenges, promising practices, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration with courts, attorneys, advocates, probation, and victim service providers.
This session is designed for professionals who interact with domestic violence cases and want a clearer understanding of what offender intervention programs do, what they are intended to accomplish, and how system partners can support meaningful accountability while maintaining a survivor-centered response.

Objectives:
– Describe the role and purpose of domestic violence offender intervention programs within Idaho’s response to domestic violence.
– Explain the importance of oversight, accountability, and program standards in supporting effective and responsible intervention services.
– Identify how courts, attorneys, advocates, probation, and providers interact with offender intervention programs and where improved coordination may strengthen outcomes.
– Recognize common challenges and promising practices experienced by domestic violence intervention providers in Idaho.
– Apply information from the panel to improve referrals, collaboration, and communication among system partners working on domestic violence cases.

Behind the Tactics: Matching the Power & Control Wheel into Legal Charges–Countering Gaslighting Through Education, Clarity, and Victim Empowerment

Presenter: Angela Weekes, President @ Family Justice Center Foundation of Idaho

Description:
This session will examine how common tactics of domestic violence and coercive control connect to legal charges, using the Power and Control Wheel as a practical framework for education, advocacy, and systems response. Participants will explore how abusive behaviors such as intimidation, isolation, emotional abuse, economic control, threats, coercion, and minimizing or denying harm may appear in real cases and how those behaviors may relate to criminal, civil, or protection order proceedings. The presentation will also address how gaslighting can confuse victims, minimize offender accountability, and create barriers to disclosure, documentation, and safety planning. By translating abusive tactics into clear language and connecting patterns of power and control to possible legal responses, professionals can help victims better understand what they have experienced, identify available options, and participate more confidently in the justice and advocacy process. This session is designed for advocates, law enforcement, prosecutors, attorneys, court professionals, probation, intervention providers, and other system partners seeking practical tools to improve victim-centered communication, strengthen case understanding, and support survivor empowerment.

Objectives:
– Identify common domestic violence tactics reflected in the Power and Control Wheel, including intimidation, isolation, coercion, threats, economic abuse, emotional abuse, and minimizing or denying harm.
– Explain how patterns of power and control may connect to legal charges, protection order issues, or other legal remedies in domestic violence cases.
– Recognize how gaslighting impacts victims’ understanding of abuse, disclosure, documentation, and participation in legal or advocacy processes.
– Use clear, victim-centered language to help survivors identify abusive tactics and understand how those behaviors may fit within broader legal and safety-planning frameworks.
– Apply education and empowerment strategies to counter minimization, self-blame, confusion, and manipulation commonly experienced by victims of coercive control.

Hidden in Plain Sight: Unexpected Predator (Child Sexual Abuse Case Study)

Presenter: Ashley Turner, Detective @ Ada County Sheriff’s Office

Description:
This presentation examines two separate child sexual abuse investigations through a case study format. Although the investigations involved different offenders and communities, the cases share important similarities: both suspects were deeply embedded in their communities, highly trusted by adults, and skilled at presenting themselves in ways that concealed their access to and exploitation of children.
Drawing from investigative experiences, victim and support-system interactions, and perspectives from individuals connected to the cases, this session will explore how offenders may groom not only children, but also the adults and systems surrounding them. The presentation will challenge common assumptions about what predators “look like” and highlight how grooming behaviors can occur in familiar, trusted, and seemingly safe environments.
Participants will gain practical insight into offender grooming patterns, child behavioral indicators, and investigative considerations when working with child victims of sexual abuse. The session will also address how professionals can ask more informed questions, recognize subtle warning signs, and better support children and families throughout the investigative process.

Objectives:
– Identify common grooming behaviors and patterns used by offenders to gain access to children and build trust with adults, families, and communities.
– Recognize signs and behavioral indicators that may suggest a child has experienced sexual abuse or grooming, including situations where the child is not verbally disclosing abuse.
– Describe how offenders may hide in plain sight by using trust, reputation, community involvement, or professional status to reduce suspicion and maintain access to victims.
– Apply case study lessons to professional practice by improving the way they observe, document, question, and respond when concerns of grooming or child sexual abuse arise.
– Increase awareness of the impact of grooming on victims, caregivers, and support systems during the disclosure and investigation process.

Stand Up: Survivor Story and Bystander Intervention

Presenter: Anna Nasset, Survivor @ A. Nasset Consulting

Description:
Attendees are led through exercises and conversations that look deeper into consent and appropriate behavior (especially around stalking) for all to look at their behavior. Participants are educated on how to be a bystander and assist those who have been sexually assaulted or who are being stalked. Anna also shares parts of her own story to highlight the effective bystanders in her life!

Objectives:
Attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of stalking affects the victim on every level. Additionally, a tool kit of resources is provided to use for themselves or to help others.

Understanding Caregiver Needs, Resilience, and Challenging Behaviors in the Context of Connecting Them to Services

Presenter: Amelia Siders, PhD @ MindWise Insights

Description:
CAC and Victim Services Advocates have a critical role when working with families in the aftermath of an abuse disclosure. Understanding the barriers, family/cultural factors, and stages of change related to a caregiver’s processing of abuse is important when trying to understand caregiver response, especially when the team members perceive the caregiver as “difficult, resistant, or unsupportive.” How staff advocates for and presents them in a trauma-informed perspective to the team can determine if they pursue supports for their child and engage in meaningful ways in the investigative process. The argument can be made that understanding, engaging, and supporting these caregivers is some of the most important work CACs and MDTs can do to serve child victims. This presentation will review research, interventions, and team engagement strategies related to caregiver perception of services, dynamics that impact engagement, and resilience factors we can build on in ourselves and others to maximize care. It will also review evidenced-based treatment options and referral strategies for mental health services.

Objectives:
– Participants will learn current research related to caregiver perceptions of child abuse disclosures
– Coercive control, cultural and systemic factors, and domestic violence factors will be reviewed in the context of caregiver response to abuse
– Dynamics of abuse will be explored to explain the nature of “unsupportive responses” from caregiver
– Interventions for caregiver engagement and advocacy in the team will be reviewed.
– Different ways to approach these cases will be discussed to maximize outcomes.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) – Children Missing from Care: Reporting, Resources, and NCMEC’s Response to Child Sex Trafficking

Presenter: Lillian Jiminez @ NCMEC

Description:
As the nation’s clearinghouse and comprehensive reporting center for all issues related to the prevention of and recovery from child victimization, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) mission is to help find missing children, reduce child sexual exploitation, and prevent child victimization. NCMEC works with families, victims, child welfare agencies, law enforcement, and the public to assist with recovering missing children and providing services to deter and combat child sexual exploitation. 
The Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act (2014) requires child welfare professionals to prevent children from going missing. Updated in 2022, the law clarified reporting to NCMEC, requiring states to provide descriptive information, risk factors, and a photo when possible. Federal law also mandates ongoing communication between child welfare agencies and NCMEC, including recovery updates. Participants will learn how to report missing children to NCMEC and explore available resources that support child welfare, law enforcement, other child-serving professionals, and families. NCMEC’s child-centered services foster collaboration, identify needs, and connect professionals to appropriate community-based resources.
NCMEC’s Response to Child Sex Trafficking:
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) provides resources to identify and recover children victimized by sex trafficking, including analysis, technical assistance, victim support, and case management. In 2024, NCMEC responded to over 27,800 reports of child sex trafficking, including CyberTipline reports, generating critical data on this often difficult to identify crime. Participants will gain a baseline understanding of child sex trafficking, common misconceptions for victim identification, and factors that increase youth vulnerability. They will also learn how NCMEC resources support locating trafficked children and implementing victim-centered, trauma-informed recovery plans.

Objectives:
– Understand what to report and how to report to NCMEC as well as federal reporting mandates. 
– Understand the recent data on child exploitation and identify risks children face. 
– Learn how to report to NCMEC, access recovery resources for CST victims, and use prevention tools for online safety and removal of child sexual abuse material.
– Identify factors that increase vulnerability to child sex trafficking (CST) and the “red flags” or indicators that a child is at risk for CST or potentially a victim of CST.
– Understand the barriers to identifying and engaging child sex trafficking victims and practical strategies for being trauma-informed in victim response.

CVCP in Action: Audience-Driven Case Scenarios Covering the Essentials

Presenter: Jocelyn Rothchild, Alicia Benningfield & Kristi Schwindt @ Idaho Crime Victims Compensation Program

Description:
Through the usage of fictional case scenarios, participants will guide the direction by voting at key moments. This interactive, ‘choose your own adventure’ format makes learning about the Idaho Crime Victims Compensation Program engaging and memorable. Case Managers will cover the topics listed below, all of which are vital for victims of crime. The program was established to help pay for medical, mental health, and funeral expenses for victims across the state.
– Identify the different application types, including adult applications, child applications, and HB135 (lawful presence).
– Understand eligibility requirements, such as filing and cooperation requirements, and determine if a crime occurred in Idaho.
– Explain the process of eligibility determination, including reasons for denial or award.
– Describe the claims process, including information gathering, processing, and payments.
– Recognize the roles of CVCP and the courts in recovery, restitution, and subrogation.
The Idaho Crime Victims Compensation Program provides crucial financial assistance to victims of crime, helping to cover medical, counseling, and other crime-related expenses. By alleviating the financial burden, the program empowers victims to focus on recovery and healing. Its supportive services underscore Idaho’s commitment to restoring hope and stability for those affected by crime.

Objectives:
Participants will gain a basic understanding of the Crime Victims Compensation Program and its role in supporting victims of crime. 
Both the Crime Victims Compensation Program (CVCP) and the Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance (ICDVVA) are funded through federal VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) dollars. It is important for grantees and community partners statewide to understand CVCP’s role so they can inform victims that CVCP can help with certain expenses during their recovery.

Best Practice Approaches and New Resources for Serving Children with Problematic Sexual Behaviors

Presenter: Amelia Siders, PhD @ MindWise Insights

Description:
Working with children who exhibit problematic sexual behaviors can be challenging for advocates and other service providers. Many of these children have their own mental health and trauma backgrounds and are victims of abuse or neglect. It can be challenging keeping up to date and feeling comfortable with best practice approaches when working with this population. This presentation will provide an overview of useful, trauma-informed resources designed to support advocates, clinicians, and MDTs who work with children with problematic sexual behaviors. This includes considerations for safety planning and assessment. New open-sourced assessment tools and resources will be reviewed including the Assessment of Sexual Behavior-Child Version (ASB-C) and the Sexual Harm: Assessing Resilience and Concern (SHARC). Utilizing these resources to identify ways to address supports and interventions with multidisciplinary teams will also be discussed.

Objectives:
– Understand best-practice approaches for multidisciplinary teams in working with children with problematic sexual behaviors
– Be provided an overview of resources and supports for advocates, clinicians and MDT members
– Receive an overview of the ASB-C and SHARC assessment tools
– Learn how to access and utilize the measures to support children with problematic sexual behaviors

Human Trafficking in Idaho

Presenter: Jen Rupe, JD @ Idaho Office of the Attorney General

Description:
Is there human trafficking in Idaho? The answer is definitively “yes”. 
Although human trafficking was first incorporated into Idaho law in 2006, recent national events and media have propelled human trafficking to the forefront of public awareness. Idaho has been proactive in combatting human trafficking through legislation but on-the-ground awareness of state and local efforts remains limited. Idaho requires Idaho-specific approaches to combat human trafficking, and one of the first steps is understanding what human trafficking (sex, labor, or both) looks like in the State — the prevalence, types of trafficking, vulnerable populations, and Idaho’s unique susceptibilities to trafficking. Victim service providers are on the front line of identifying and combatting human trafficking and play a critical role in statewide anti-trafficking efforts. Survivor identification, barriers to reporting, service needs, forced criminality, and other aspects of human trafficking victimization will be addressed and discussed with opportunities for collaboration among attendees.

Objectives:
– Types of human trafficking prevalent in Idaho
– Challenges to measuring prevalence
– The importance of data to document human trafficking
– Victim service providers’ roles in combatting and identifying human trafficking
– Efforts to combat human trafficking in Idaho
– Future state-level actions to coordinate anti-trafficking efforts

Rising Above the Scars: The  12 Step Journey of One Child’s Nightmare to One Woman’s  Miraculous Awakening

Presenter: Johnnetta McSwain, PhD

Description:
In this powerful keynote-style session, Johnnetta McSwain shares her journey from childhood trauma and abuse to healing, resilience, and personal transformation. Based on Rising Above the Scars: The 12 Step Journey of One Child’s Nightmare to One Woman’s Miraculous Awakening, this presentation explores the long-term impact of childhood victimization, the complexity of surviving trauma, and the possibility of reclaiming identity, voice, and purpose after profound harm.
Through a survivor-centered lens, the session will highlight the emotional, relational, and spiritual dimensions of healing, while encouraging professionals to better understand the lived experience behind trauma responses. Participants will be invited to reflect on how support systems, service providers, and communities can either deepen wounds or help create pathways toward safety, dignity, and restoration.
This session is especially relevant for advocates, counselors, social workers, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, prosecutors, court professionals, educators, and community partners who work with survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual violence, and complex trauma.

Objectives:
– Describe the long-term impact of childhood trauma and abuse on identity, relationships, safety, self-worth, and healing.
– Recognize how survivor stories can deepen professional understanding of trauma responses, resilience, and the non-linear nature of recovery.
– Identify ways professionals and communities can support survivor healing through validation, dignity, safety, and trauma-informed care.
– Reflect on the role of hope, voice, and empowerment in helping survivors move from survival toward restoration and purpose.
– Apply survivor-informed insights to improve communication, advocacy, and support for individuals impacted by child abuse and interpersonal violence.

Get to Work: Workplace Culture & Care

Presenter: Anna Nasset @ A. Nasset Consulting

Description:
Creating a supportive culture in the workplace takes leadership and response from all members. This session examines how we can effectively lead and create a supportive place for all.

Objectives:
Looking at language and action through stories, exercises, and videos, attendees will learn how to be stand-up in all aspects of their jobs. Additionally, we will look at how each member of staff or unit can identify that a colleague may be dealing with sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, or depression.

Reducing the Harm in Sexual Violence Response: Collaboration between nurses, advocates, and Idaho Crime Victims Compensation Program

Presenter: Rachel Erickson, Kaitlan Ducken & SANE Nurse (TBD) @ Idaho Crime Victims Compensation

Description:
This presentation is designed to give attendees a comprehensive, high-level overview of the journey a sexual assault victim undertakes after reporting an assault at a hospital. This session is tailored specifically for a conference audience working in or alongside healthcare, advocacy, and victim services.
Collectively, the team will begin by outlining what happens when a sexual assault victim arrives at a hospital, focusing on the critical roles played by the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and the advocate. These professionals are often the first points of contact, and their ability to listen with empathy and respond with compassion can have a profound impact on a victim’s recovery.
Next, Jennifer Bailey will share insights from the SANE’s perspective, including the steps involved in a sexual assault exam, the amount of time required, and the potential emotional and physical invasiveness of the process. Understanding these details will help us appreciate the resilience of victims and the importance of trauma-informed care.
Kaitlan Ducken will then discuss the advocate’s essential role, both during the initial hospital visit and in follow-up support. Advocates provide crucial resources, emotional support, and practical assistance, such as helping victims complete Crime Victim Compensation Program applications before they leave the hospital.
Finally, Rachel Ericson will explain how the Crime Victim Compensation Program works to reduce further harm by covering the costs of forensic exams and other necessary services, ensuring that victims are not burdened with additional financial stress.
By the end of this presentation, attendees will have a clearer understanding of the process sexual assault victims experience, the collaborative efforts required for effective support, and actionable insights to better serve and advocate for victims of crime in their professional roles.

Objectives:
The goal of this presentation would be to allow other advocates, SANEs and community partners to see how we can cohesively support sexual assault victims with compassion and respect as they report their crime. Explaining to attendees how a streamlined process in coordination of the interactions between the SANE, the Advocate and Crime Victim Compensation Program can benefit the victim by possibly reducing additional trauma. By giving the SANE’s perspective we will gain an understanding of the length of time that a sexual assault exam can take as well as the level of invasiveness that the victim might feel. The advocate provides important follow up information and can offer continued support when the victim might feel at their lowest. This can include providing resources and ensuring that a Crime Victim Compensation application is completed before the victim leaves the hospital. Crime Victim Compensation tries to reduce further harm to the victim by ensuring that the hospital is reimbursed for the services rendered for the sexual assault exam.

Stalking and Supervised Visitation: How to Recognize and Respond to Promote Safety

Presenter: Dana Fleitman & Jennifer Landhuis @ Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC)

Description:
Many offenders engage in stalking behaviors to perpetuate the cycle of abuse and control after a relationship has ended, and supervised visitation centers can become the frontline of the offender’s criminal behavior. It is imperative that supervised visitation centers and staff be equipped to recognize and respond to stalking behaviors to promote safety and security for participants. This session will provide practical tools for identifying stalking behaviors within a supervised visitation center and give guidance on how centers can structure their services to promote safety for victims of stalking. The session will also discuss how technology plays an integral and unique role in facilitating this dangerous form of victimization and provide useful tips for promoting digital safety for staff and visitation center partners.

Objectives:
– Identify four categories of stalking behaviors and how they may present in a supervised visitation setting
– Identify three forms of technology facilitated stalking – Provide at least two ways that supervised visitation staff can screen for stalking behaviors among visitation participants

Cultivating Connections: A Trauma Responsive Approach to Behavior

Presenter: Ben & Rachael Wells @ The Growv

Description:
Cultivating Connections: A Trauma-Responsive Approach to Behavior will help participants better understand how trauma, adverse childhood experiences, unmet needs, family roles, and attachment patterns can shape behavior across the lifespan. Presented by Benjamin Wells and Rachael Wells, this session emphasizes the power of safe, positive connection as a protective factor and a foundation for healing.
Participants will explore the difference between being trauma-informed and trauma-responsive, with a focus on moving from awareness to intentional action. The presentation will examine how professionals may unintentionally misinterpret behavior as aggressive, uncooperative, withdrawn, reactive, distracted, or impulsive when those behaviors may actually reflect trauma responses, unmet needs, or attempts to cope.
Through discussion, reflection, and practical frameworks, participants will consider how to respond with curiosity, compassion, structure, and connection. The session will provide tools for shifting from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” and for creating environments where individuals feel seen, heard, cared for, and understood.

Objectives:
– Explain the difference between trauma-informed and trauma-responsive approaches when working with individuals impacted by trauma, adversity, or chronic stress.
– Describe how adverse childhood experiences, unmet needs, and attachment patterns can influence behavior, coping, emotional regulation, and connection with others.
– Recognize common behavioral responses to trauma that may be misinterpreted as defiance, aggression, withdrawal, impulsivity, or lack of cooperation.
– Identify strategies for building safe, positive connections that help individuals feel seen, heard, cared for, and understood. – Apply trauma-responsive questions and practices that shift professional response from judgment and correction toward curiosity, compassion, support, and connection.