Child sexual abuse and exploitation cases present unique challenges and are some of the most difficult cases to investigate and prosecute. As technology advances, so too does the interplay between contact offenses against children and electronic exploitation cases like electronic solicitation and child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This workshop will focus on that intersection, and provide strategies for strengthening investigation and prosecution. Viewed through the lens of a case study of a sodomy and CSAM investigation and prosecution, topics will include the collection, enhancement, and use of digital evidence to help corroborate a victim’s disclosure and ways to effectively present this evidence in court. This workshop is being taught by a prosecutor and detective who routinely work these types of cases together and is geared toward prosecutors, law enforcement, and other multidisciplinary team members.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will learn best practices for a multidisciplinary approach to the investigation and prosecution of a child sex/exploitation case.
Participants will be able to identify evidence necessary to corroborate a child victim's disclosure, and effective ways to gather and present such evidence.
Participants will employ strategies to overcome common problems in child sexual/exploitation cases, and gain further understanding of the increasing interplay between contact offenses and technology.
