Navigating sexual assault investigations is complex.

Understanding how trauma impacts the brain, behavior, and memory is not optional. It is the difference between a case that moves forward and one that falls apart.

It doesn’t require malice to do great harm.

Fewer than half of sexual assault victims report to police. That matters. Because when victims do come forward, how they are received shapes everything that follows.

Sexual assault cases are among the most difficult cases to investigate. Without a clear understanding of trauma, we risk damaging the most important part of the case. The victim.

Victims face real psychological, cultural, and social barriers to reporting. When they disclose, they are often misunderstood. They may be met with disbelief, shame, disgust, or blame. These responses domore than harm the victim. They weaken investigations. They compromise prosecutions. They reduce the likelihood of accountability.

A trauma-informed approach is essential to getting it right.

The Cognitive Interview Adapted to Trauma (CI-AT) is a science-based, trauma-informed approach to victim interviewing.

Trauma changes how the brain processes and stores information.

Victims may recall some details with clarity while other parts of the event are fragmented, disorganized, or inaccessible. When interviewers do not understand this, they ask the wrong questions in the wrong way. They interrupt recall. They unintentionally shut down the very information they need.

The 6 Phases of the CI-AT are designed specifically to:

‍ - reduce retraumatization during the interview process

- enhance accurate memory recall

- strengthen corroboration opportunities

‍ ‍ - avoid practices that unintentionally suppress memory retrieval ‍ ‍

- maximize the collection of accurate and useful information

‍ ‍ - create an atmosphere of trust

- encourage victim cooperation and engagement

This is a four-day, immersive training.

You will not just learn the concepts. You will apply them.

The course culminates in a practical exercise using actors in realistic, scenario-based interviews. Participants conduct full CI-AT interviews in real time, applying the methods they have learned.

The Outcome - Better interviews lead to better cases.

This Work Matters

Every interaction with a victim has consequences.

A trauma-informed, science-based interview is not optional - It is essential.‍ ‍