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Tuesday 25th July 2023

Half Day EVENT | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM

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Trauma can affect how people communicate in the courtroom – and their ability to comply with directions and orders of the court.

It is well understood that many people appearing before courts and tribunals have been impacted by trauma. 

By becoming trauma-informed, you can effectively manage the effects of trauma in your court or tribunal room. 

In this experiential, skills-based event, you will: 

  • enhance your understanding of trauma – and how it presents in your court or tribunal room 
  • learn skills and techniques for working with trauma-affected parties to balance procedural fairness with sensitivity
  • be supported in your learning by facilitators who are experts in trauma and trauma-informed practice. 

Facilitators.

Family Violence Social Worker
Abbey Newman
Abbey Newman is the first social worker to obtain a family violence accredited from the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and has been in the family violence and sexual assault sector for over 17 years. Working across all areas including with victims, perpetrators, children and young people, crisis intervention, education, prevention and within the justice system. Abbey operates a private practice providing: Specialist family violence court reports and appearing as a single expert witness. Ongoing therapeutic recovery, Clinical supervision. Abbey is currently employed with Forensicare as the Specialist Family Violence Advisor and has a particular interest in the intersection of family violence, sexual assault, and mental health. Abbey has lectured with RMIT University in the undergraduate and masters social work program, in the subject Violence and Abuse. Abbey believes that dignity, trust, and safety are essential components when working with anyone who has experienced trauma.
Blue Knot Foundation
Dr Merrin Wake
Dr Merrin Wake (she/her) holds an honorary doctorate from Deakin University for her work in inclusive healthcare and public advocacy. She works as a health and education consultant, this includes clinical and therapeutic work as a LGBTIQA+ child and family practitioner as well as a trauma informed and diversity and inclusion educator for government, corporate, schools, health services and not-for-profit sector. Her work has led her to focus on community engagement and ensuring the needs of the communities she works with are listened to and heard. Merrin has a passion for working alongside families and carers of young people with a whole of family approach to support our kids to be all they can be. Merrin is a survivor of child sexual abuse and the proud parent of a transgender young person. Merrin uses her own lived experience alongside her clinical knowledge to break down stigma and advocate for the stories of individuals and families. Merrin believes that change happens when people are met where they are. She uses storytelling and practice knowledge to help change attitudes and systems which she believes is achievable when we first acknowledge pain and harm and when we honour our stories, our lives and our own strengths.