About

Prosecuting cases of child sexual assault can be complex. This training will provide insight into the dynamics of these cases, which result in more difficult prosecutions. Attendees will learn to put evidence together in a way that propels the case forward and implement strategies for preparing child witnesses. Feeling attacked? Explore common defense tactics and how to combat defense attacks.

Objectives

Participants will learn the dynamics in child sexual abuse cases and the impact this can have on the investigation.

Participants will learn what types of evidence can be used to corroborate the child’s testimony at trial.

Participants will learn hearsay exceptions to allow admissions of additional corroborative testimony at trial.

Participants will learn how to address common defense tactics and defense experts in court.

Presenters

Colleen Brazil, Senior Director of Children’s Services, Project Harmony, 402-595-1326, cbrazil@projectharmony.com

Colleen is the Senior Director of Children’s Services at Project Harmony.  She was a forensic interviewer at Child’s Voice in Sioux Falls, SD from its inception in 1998 until August 2014 when she moved to Omaha. She has interviewed over 8,000 children regarding allegations of abuse or neglect. She has trained child protection workers, law enforcement officers and other multi-disciplinary team members on a regional and national level.  She has served as an expert witness in Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota courts regarding cases of child abuse.

Demi Herman, Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General of Nebraska, 402-471-0821, demi.herman@nebraska.gov

Demi is a career prosecutor currently assigned as a child abuse specialist with the Nebraska Department of Justice.  She prosecutes cases involving children who have suffered sexual assault and physical abuse.  Throughout her career, Demi has prosecuted the full range of felony offenses with particular interest in helping child victims and sexual assault survivors.  

Demi graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Sociology.  She obtained her J.D. from William Mitchel College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she was a student prosecutor.  She is licensed to practice law in Arizona and Nebraska.  Since law school, Demi has proudly worked for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Phoenix, Arizona, in General Trial and Gang/Repeat Offender Divisions.  After moving with her family to Nebraska, she has worked for the Platte County Attorney’s Office, and Saunders County Attorney’s Office as Chief Deputy, as well as the Douglas County Attorney’s Office as CVSA (Child Victim/Sexual Assault) Team Lead. Demi works hard to ensure all victims actively participate in the court process and are able to testify against their offender in a manner that will minimize further trauma and allow the survivor to regain their voice.

Continuing Legal Education Information

This course has been pre-approved for continuing legal education in the following states: 

State     Eligibility Dates     Hours         Type                           Course #

IA            7/18/24-7/17/25     1.5             CLE Hours                  411097
LA           7/18/24-7/18/25     1.5             Credits                       Live 4367240718
                                                                                                       On Demand 4367240719

OH          7/18/24-12/31/24    1.5           General/Self Study   Live 555183

                                                                                                       On Demand 555184

OR           7/18/24-7/18/27     1.5            General Credits       112881
NE            7/18/24-7/18/26    1.5            Credit Hours              Live 267667
                                                                                                       On Demand 267940

TX           7/18/24-6/30/25    1.5            Credit Hours             Live 174243222

                                                                                                              On Demand 174248310            

TN            7/18/24-7/17/25     1.5            General Hours          N/A   
WA          7/18/24-7/17/29      1.5            Law & Legal              Live 2023465
                                                                                                        On Demand 2023615
WV                                             1.5         Attendance Credits   Live 95597
                                                                                                        On Demand 95596

Attendees licensed in self-accredit and self-report states, should follow rules set out by their respective states. Some attorneys may be able to request credit individually for the training directly with their state's accrediting bodies.

Please complete the evaluation form within 30 days of completing the training in order to receive a Certificate of Completion and for attendance to be reported to the appropriate accrediting bodies. 

Contact Brittany Ford at brittany.f@guardify.com with any questions about continuing education.