ODW25C42 – Working with Domestic Violence Survivors in Family Law Litigation

Description: Along with managing their trauma, ensuring day-to-day survival, and taking care of other family members, survivors of domestic violence are often expected to have robust knowledge of court protocol and proceedings when seeking justice or holding an offender accountable. Without a trauma-informed legal team to guide survivors through these processes, re-traumatization can occur, and prosecutor cases can be compromised. This session will introduce trauma-informed approaches to helping survivors of gender-based crimes navigate the complexities of participating in the family litigation arena. It will also offer insights into managing unique survivor behavior and reactions in the courtroom setting.

Course Year: 2025

Presenter Biography: Heather Crawford is a paralegal in the Class Action Practice Group at Chestnut Cambronne. She has over 20 years of experience across all areas of civil and commercial litigation, as well as extensive trial experience in federal and state courts. She has spent over a decade as a legal advocate volunteer, working with survivors of domestic violence in the civil court system.