Why Campuses Should Conduct Trauma-Informed Sexual Assault Investigations

Publication Date: 2016
Tag(s): investigations and adjudications, sexual assault, trauma informed, trauma-informed
Author(s): the National Center for Campus Public Safety (NCCPS), National Center for Campus Public Safety (NCCPS)
URL: Why Campuses Should Conduct Trauma-Informed Sexual Assault Investigations
Abstract: Promising practices strongly suggest that when colleges and universities conduct sexual assault investigations and adjudications as required by Title IX, they should employ a trauma-informed approach. This naturally promotes access for complainants by encouraging their participation and promotes accuracy by enabling investigators and decision-makers to ask appropriate questions and better understand evidence that may be affected by trauma. A trauma-informed approach benefits complainants, respondents, and institutions of higher education. In this webinar, Jeffrey J. Nolan, J.D., a faculty member for our Trauma-Informed Sexual Assault Investigation and Adjudication Institute and an attorney with Dinse Knapp McAndrew, discusses why campuses should conduct trauma-informed sexual assault investigations and adjudications.