2023 Trauma Informed Sexual Violence and Support Conference

The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) is excited to share details on the upcoming 2023 Trauma Informed Sexual Violence Investigations, Prosecutions, Survivor Representation and Support Conference sponsored by the Criminal Law Division and the Victims and Vulnerable Persons Division.

This is a one day, in-person, provincial training program for Crowns, victim services workers, police officers and survivors’ lawyers to learn about, enhance, and hone their skills regarding trauma-informed practices during the investigation of sexual violence offences and throughout the criminal court process. This is a conference targeted to police officers who conduct sexual offence investigations. There is room for up to 35 police officers from across the province to attend. Please note that the conference is free, but participants must cover their own accommodation, travel, and food.

Sexual violence is an underreported crime, but for those cases that do get reported and prosecuted, it is paramount that justice professionals are trauma-informed so that further harm is not experienced by complainants during the process. This interactive training session will include presentations about:

• Trauma-informed interviews and practices, including a segment on the neurobiology of trauma

• The progress of trauma-informed investigations following the “unfounded series”

• Supporting Indigenous survivors of sexual violence

• Prosecutions following the new Criminal Code provisions in s.278.92-94 and the Supreme Court’s decision in R. v. J.J. 2022 SCC 28

• Trauma-informed and collaborative practices for representing and supporting survivors

Conference Details

Date: Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m

Venue: 315 Front Street West, Toronto (located near the base of the CN Tower – walking distance to Union Station)

Further details and the agenda will be provided to registered attendees, closer to the conference date.

Please email Jill.Witkin@ontario.ca and Anjani.Sharma@ontario.ca with the names of those approved by your service to attend, in order of priority, by February 15th, 2023.

Registration information will be sent in mid-February to those officers who we have secured a spot for at the conference.