Genesis Women's Shelter & Support is often called upon to provide expert witness testimony in domestic violence cases. To better understand the role of the expert witness and how they can help facilitate an understanding of domestic violence for legal teams, judges, and jurors, Ruth Guerreiro, LCSW and Genesis' Chief Clinical Officer, and Jordyn Lawson, LPC and Genesis' Chief Residential Officer, join the conversation in an episode that is both educational and enlightening. 

In this episode, our guests explain how they navigate the labyrinth of legal proceedings, illuminating the cornerstones of domestic violence dynamics and the significant role the expert witness plays in providing context and education to the courtroom. They also prepare us for the complexities of this process - from the questions attorneys may pose to the delicate task of determining which testimony bears relevance. We also dive into the impacts of domestic violence on children and the disheartening reasons why victims often refrain from participating in court hearings. 

We dig into the contrasting roles of fact and expert witnesses, learn how they can support victims by providing crucial insights to the court, and how their consultation can guide attorneys through the murky waters of domestic violence cases. We expose the tactics used by defendants and the strategies that can empower victims to have their voices heard in the courtroom. Lastly, we delve into how the expert testimony of our guests is used by juries, how it influences the sentencing hearing, and how it can help untangle the manipulative narratives spun by defense attorneys. Join us, as we unravel the intricacies of domestic violence cases and understand the true context and dynamics of abuse with expert insight that brings to light the importance of educating the court on the often misunderstood dynamics of domestic violence.