062: Helping Sexual Assault Victims

donna_kelly_-_utah_-webNatasha Helfer Parker interviews Donna Kelly, a Utah state prosecutor who has expertise in trying cases dealing with sexual assault and domestic violence.  She has helped develop trauma-informed protocol to help law enforcement and other professionals address victims in appropriate, supportive ways and has been invited to offer trainings on a national level.  There are important implications from this interview that will apply to victims, to friends and family who want to offer support, ecclesiastical leaders, and anyone else who wants to better understand normative responses to trauma and how to respond correctly.  They also discuss issues and common themes that are unique within Mormon communities when it comes to dealing with sexual assault.

TRIGGER WARNING:  This interview does include short recountings of scenarios Donna Kelly describes regarding some of the cases she has worked on.

At the end of the interview Donna refers to an upcoming presentation which will be taking place on May 12, 2015 in West Valley, UT.  Here is some further information if you are interested in attending:  Join law enforcement, healthcare and legal professionals from around the state on May 12, 2015, for this no cost conference featuring national expert Dr. Rebecca Campbell, who will present on the Neurobiology of Sexual Assault Trauma. Dr. Campbell’s research is changing the way law enforcement officers and other professionals respond to sexual assault crimes and interact with assault victims. Learn more about yourself and your victims’ response to trauma with this is new information that can be used to investigate sexual assault and other traumatic crimes.

Utahns Helping Sexual Assualt Victims Nationwide

Start by Believing and West Valley City Police: Start by Believing

End Violence Against Women International

What To Do if You Were Raped

RAINN: Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network

What is Bystander Intervention Anyway?

The Neurobiology of Sexual Assault with Rebecca Campbell, PhD

Creating Trauma-Informed Congregations

Predators Among Us – Interview with Dr. Anna Salter

Elizabeth Smart Foundation

Many thanks to The Lower Lights for the beautiful bumper music and to Brian Dillman for audio production of this podcast.  Natasha Helfer Parker runs a private practice in Wichita, KS and writes at The Mormon Therapist for Patheos: Hosting the Conversation of Faith.

Donations to Mormon Mental Health are tax deductible and go directly to support the costs of producing the podcast.  If and when donations exceed these costs, they will go to support trainings, research, materials development, projects of the Mormon Mental Health Association and financial support for those who need help affording appropriate therapy services.

 

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