Victim Rights Law Summit - In-Person
The legal issues victims of crime are navigating can be complex, and may involve criminal law, family law, tort law, housing law, probate, and other matters. With more than 50,000 violent crimes reported in Colorado last year, and many more not reported, there is a substantial need for qualified and competent attorneys working in various areas of law who are interested in working with crime victims and survivors across the state.
This full-day CLE presented by experts on victim issues provides cutting-edge information and resources on how best to work with crime victims, no matter what area of law you practice. Presentations on the neurobiology of trauma and the impact true crime has on victims and survivors will provide a foundation for understanding many of the issues victims face as they navigate legal options. Additional presentations will address legal remedies for victims of image-based sexual abuse (revenge porn), and effective collaboration to enforce victims’ rights in criminal cases.
No matter what area of law you practice in, having an understanding of how to identify and address those issues is beneficial. Ethical representation of crime victims, with an understanding of the additional systemic barriers faced by traditionally marginalized populations as they navigate their legal issues will also be integrated throughout the training.
About RMvlc
Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center (RMvlc) is a nonprofit law firm providing pro bono legal services to victims of crime since 2009. RMvlc elevates victims' voices, champions victims' rights, and transforms the systems impacting them. RMvlc was founded by Dr. Sheri Vanino and John Clune, Esq. whose vision was to help enforce victims' rights through the criminal justice process and ensure victims had meaningful access to participate in the prosecution of their cases. This vision has grown to provide victims access to a full spectrum of legal remedies that address the many complex legal issues that arise as a result of victimization. In 2012, RMvlc launched the Legal Information Network of Colorado (LINC) program. This program aims to provide legal information and resources to victims of crime and service providers through a helpline, an informational and interactive website, and a network of specially trained Navigators. The Title IX Legal Services program began in 2018 to respond to the ever-increasing need for representation of student survivors as they navigate access to education and the Title IX process in educational settings. RMvlc is funded through state and local grants. Your registration fee supports the long-term sustainability of RMvlc and ensures our services remain free to victims across Colorado.
Save on your registration fee – join the Rocky Mountain Victim Lawyers Association today! CBA-CLE will email webinar access information 24-48 hours before the program.
Home studies will be available 2-3 weeks following the live program.
CBA-CLE is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, and employment. To request an accommodation please contact [email protected] at least 14 business days in advance.
The program is accredited in Colorado. CBA-CLE staff can provide a Uniform Certificate of Attendance, and it is the attendee's responsibility to complete the accreditation outside of Colorado.
8:30 – 8:45 am
Welcome and overview of day
Thank you to our sponsors
Introduction to Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) framework and application to working with crime victims
Extended by RMvlc Staff
8:45 – 10:15 am
Neurobiology of Trauma: How the Brain and Body Respond to Traumatic Events
As advocates, law enforcement, and attorneys, it is helpful to understand how the mind and body respond during and after traumatic events. Impact will vary based on personal and identity factors, as well as how the mind and body respond to the traumatic experiences. This session will help you know what is going on inside of a victim/survivor’s brain and body, as well as help explain their behaviors after a traumatic event. The goal of this session is to increase knowledge about the impact of trauma, which will lead to an increase in trauma informed responses from the various systems a victim may interact with. If we create a more supportive, trauma informed community where survivors feel understood, more survivors will reach out for help.
Presented by Jessica Ladd-Webert, LPC, Senior Director of Trauma Response, Office of Victim Assistance, University of Colorado Boulder
10:15 – 10:30 am
Morning Break
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Moral Dilemmas: The Ethics of True Crime on Survivors and Us
Each week, millions of Americans close their blinds, pour a beverage and snuggle under their favorite blankie to binge the latest true crime docuseries and podcasts. This talk will provide the physiological reason for obsessions with true crime, the impact on us as viewers, and guidelines for viewing habits. Additionally, we will discuss the differences in impact on service professionals compared to the general public, as well as survivors of these heinous crimes. We will conclude with exercises of how to evaluate individual motivations of use as well as ethical considerations for consumption.
Presented by Amber McDonald, PhD, LCSW, Deputy Director of and Assistant Professor for the Stress, Trauma, Research, Trauma & Adversity (START) Clinic, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry.
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Lunch on your own
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Effective Collaboration to Enforce Victims’ Rights in Criminal Cases
Increasingly, victims of crime engage their own counsel to represent them in criminal cases. Effective collaboration and communication with victim counsel can be essential for prosecutors, and can have tremendous benefits for cases. In this presentation, 17th JD Chief Deputy DA Stephanie Fritts and Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center (RMvlc) will talk about the role of victim counsel, ways it can be beneficial to the prosecution of cases, and ideas for overcoming challenges to build a strong collaborative relationship. RMvlc has been representing crime victims in cases across Colorado for 14 years, and has worked with Ms. Fritts on multiple cases to ensure victims’ rights, privacy, and interests and protected.
Specific ethical considerations for prosecutors and victim counsel will be discussed, as well as strategies to increase victim satisfaction and engagement, particularly with people from communities with a history of oppression and discrimination in the legal system. Examples of effective collaboration will be provided, and ideas for addressing challenging situations that arise in cases will also be discussed, along with time to respond to questions from participants.
Presented by Stephanie Fritts, Esq., Chief Deputy District Attorney, 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office, Kazi Houston, Esq., MSW, Legal Director, RMvlc, and Emily Tofte Nestaval, MSW, Executive Director, RMvlc.
2:30 – 2:45 pm
Afternoon Break
2:45 – 4:15 pm
Restoring Dignity: Remedies for Victims of Image-Based Sexual Abuse
In the US, 1 in 12 adults report being victims of image-based sexual abuse (“IBSA”), also known as revenge porn, a violation that leaves many unsure of how to protect themselves and seek justice. This presentation will detail the immediate steps survivors of IBSA can take to regain control and pursue accountability. For instance, the presentation will cover essential actions such as notifying social media platforms to remove harmful content and securing digital evidence. Additionally, it will explore the legal remedies available to survivors, including civil lawsuits and criminal charges, gaps in our legal system, and best practices when litigating matters involving IBSA.
Presented by Allison Mahoney, Esq., ALM Law
4:15 – 4:30 pm
Thank You and Closing Remarks
Registration Fees
| Non Member | $300.00 |
| CBA Member | $250.00 |
| CLEACCESSPASS--ELITE Pass Holder | $225.00 |
| Rocky Mountain Victim Lawyer Association Member | $200.00 |
- General Credits: 7.00
- Ethics Credits: 1.00
- EDI Credits: 1.00
To join the CBA or add a Section to your membership click