Fair, Equitable Trauma-Informed Investigation Training
Many colleges and universities have recognized that the quality of their sexual assault and intimate partner violence investigations can be enhanced if they take into account the potential neurobiological effects of trauma. Institutions have sought and received training for their investigators and adjudicators on these issues, consistent with promising practices, general training requirements imposed by the 2013 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act Amendments to the Clery Act, and certain state laws. Regulations issued in May 2020 by the U.S. Department of Education, court decisions and media commentary have all emphasized, however, that the content of training will be analyzed closely, and that training for investigators and adjudicators, including trauma-informed training, should be presented in a manner that is fully balanced, impartial, does not rely on sex stereotypes, and promotes fairness and equity for both complainants and respondents.
This paper, authored by Education Partner Jeffrey Nolan, summarizes some of the public and scholarly discourse on these issues, and offers suggestions for college and university administrators and counsel who are designing and/or selecting investigation training programs.
Topics Covered in the White Paper
- Current Federal Pronouncements and State Laws Regarding Training-Related Issues
- Theories Typically Covered in Trauma-Informed Training
- Media and Scholarly Critique of These Theories
- Promoting Fairness to All Parties Through Trauma-Informed Investigation Training
READ THE FULL WHITE PAPER: Fair, Equitable Trauma-Informed Investigation Training
Jeffrey Nolan is a Certified FETI® Practitioner (CFP-B). More information about Certified FETI is available here.
Learn more about Jeffrey Nolan's Fair, Witness-Centered/Trauma-Informed Training Programs
- Investigation Training for Investigators and Title IX Administrators
- Adjudication Training for Hearing Officers and Hearing Panel Members