University of Lynchburg Campus safety officials took time Friday to learn about new techniques to better accommodate victims of sexual assault and more effectively help them do their jobs without inflicting more trauma.
Friday’s event was led by Mike Milnor and Nancy Oglesby, founders of the professional training company Justice3D.
Their training provided information on how trauma, past as well as recent, impacts the brain and how law enforcement and Title IX investigators can use trauma-informed practices in interviews and investigations of sexual assault cases.
The training was offered in person and virtually.
“This type of training is important in many ways. Understanding the impact of trauma on the brain can assist those investigating cases of sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence, in more effectively gathering information and providing support to victims without inflicting additional trauma,” said Gina Wright, a licensed professional counselor with Lynchburg’s Health and Counseling Center.
The exercise was funded by “The Grants to Reduce Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking on Campus Program (Campus Program)” which is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice – Office on Violence Against Women.
“We owe it to all members of our campus community to provide the best care possible if they are impacted,” Wright said. “We cannot do that unless we work to continually learn and grow in our understanding and use of trauma-informed practices.”
Wright estimated about 24 people attended including Title IX officials and staff from various areas, including campus safety and security, the dean of students’ office, the counseling center, the Office of Housing and Residence Life, spiritual life, multicultural services, and the Center for Community Engagement. Also in attendance was an investigator from the Lynchburg Police Department who was an active community partner with the justice department’s grant.
This program was supported by Grant No. 2018-WA-AX-0048 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Justice.
