EXPERT WITNESS/
Trauma and Abuse
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)/Coercive Control (CC) are interchangeable terms that are inadequately addressed in family courts. The statistics are astounding with victims of IPV/CC and their children remaining unheard. The psychological, emotional, and physical effects of chronic stress under IPV/CC conditions are well supported by research.
However, Courts remain patriarchal and Court personnel continue to practice with inadequate information. While training is available for Court staff, case outcomes support that additional and specialized education is not pursued. Consistently, IPV/CC victimization is extended to children in many forms to continue and perpetuate abuse toward the targeted parent. Victims of IPV/CC become highlighted in their cases while perpetrators seem invisible. This is where my task begins.
I mention the physical effects of IPV/CC because of the repeated injuries that are overlooked. Further, research now supports chronic and potentially fatal illnesses can develop specific to the chronic and severe stress of IPV/CC perpetrators. Medical conditions, such as infants with chronic colds, childhood diabetes, asthma, emotional/behavioral problems, and neurological function are impacted. Stunted physical, psychological, and immune system development are identified.
As adults, health problems include heart and lung conditions, heart attacks, hypertension, diabetes, strokes, autoimmune disorders, fibromyalgia, arthritis, unexplained gastrointestinal problems, obesity, substance abuse, alcoholism, and even suicide are traced to childhood abuse and trauma. When certain childhood conditions are factored into medical evaluations, statistics remain consistent on severe chronic stress from IPV/CC as a major contributor.
Although different but similar, increasing numbers of trauma victims of Clergy/Cleric Abuse are rising. The secrets of sexual abuse by Clergypersons are no longer as cloaked in darkness. Unlike victims of IPV/CC who live in family units, victims of Clergy Abuse often believe they are alone when, in fact, they are one of tens of thousands.
Clergy abuse is not limited to sexual abuse but includes “service” and financial extortion. The words from Bibles worldwide are twisted to form a systematic web of untruths that lead Congregants to “tithe” away their most meager savings. For those unable to tithe, endless unpaid or volunteer services are made available to “serve” their God. If these words ring true for you or a loved one, this is also where my task begins.
Whether testimony, assessment, or therapy is needed, I am prepared. The damage done to family court victims in IPV/CC cases needs to end. Clergy abuse victims need closure, and the abuse and extortion need exposure.
Let the work begin.
Intimate Partner Violence/Coercive Control
I am a member of several organizations related to family courts and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)/Coercive Control (CC) with ongoing training from multiple professional agencies. A growing body of research is emerging that shows the psychological and physical health concerns for adult and child victims of IPV/CC. (Read about Family Courts in my articles.)
The research incorporates aspects of ACEs (Adverse Child Experiences) that can severely inhibit or negatively affect childhood development from infancy, including neuropsychological, immune system, and hormonal development as well as emotional/behavioral problems and slowed learning. The constant presence of “toxic stress” hormones in children can lead to several physical problems, such as the development of diabetes, heart and lung disease, compromised immunity, gastrointestinal issues, substance abuse, chronic depression, and, worst of all, suicidality.
These physical/medical conditions can emerge in childhood or be delayed until adulthood. As the number of 10 different ACEs questions are checked, the risk rises, which can shorten one’s life span. The most recent research has been specific to children although initial studies focused on adults. Results of all of these studies consistently show that ACEs affect all races, and socioeconomic statuses, and geographical locations worldwide, and ACEs affects persons of all education levels. It is not a “where you live” problem.
Research is also emerging identifying DARVO tactics (Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender). This tactic is used to cause uncertainty in the mind of the victim and to reduce the chance that abuse will be reported or revealed.
Children in IPV/Coercive Control cases often experience abuse intended to inflict maximum psychological harm to the former IPV/Coercive Control partner. Research is emerging that supports that the “best interest of the child” is not being upheld and standards set out for Judges are not consistently followed.
Many Clinicians do not pursue appropriate training to understand how IPV/Coercive Control continues in family courts. This has become an increased risk of custody changes, particularly if physical, sexual, or psychological abuse reports have been alleged by the partner who is no longer controlled by the perpetrator. Unfortunately, research also supports that Courts and legal representatives have insufficient knowledge about how IPV/Coercive Control appears before them.
My perspective is gender-neutral. I recognize that the victim or the abuser can be either partner. My practice is geared towards assessing for IPV/Coercive Control, court abuse with custody cases, forensic psychological evaluations (Parental Capacity Evaluations or PCEs), and child abuse in any form (physical, sexual, psychological, verbal, emotional, or any combination).
I include children in this section because they are increasingly experiencing levels of abuse from repeated litigation. My goals are twofold; a) to return the focus to the actual victim(s) rather than the perpetrator who assumes the role of the victim, and b) to return the priority of the outcome to the best interests of the child(ren).
Child Abuse/Neglect
I am a certified Child Forensic Evaluator (CFE) RADAR Training through UNC Chapel Hill to assess children for potential abuse or neglect. Additionally, I maintain updated Child Forensic Interviewing skills through Palo Alto CONCEPTS courses and National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). (Read about Family Courts in my articles.)
I routinely attend training or review webinars to maintain awareness of new information, trends in family courts, and research as often as needed to answer any questions that arise for my clients. I also routinely assess for domestic violence to protect victima and children in family courts.
My years of experience have allowed me to become highly specialized in assessing abused children within the family court system. If your child has been the victim of physical, sexual, psychological, verbal, and/or emotional abuse, I can confirm it with the scientific data of a forensic evaluation and support the data with extensive research I’ve gathered in these cases.
The majority of my initial years as a Licensed Psychologist were spent assessing sexually and physically abused children in very difficult circumstances. I have conducted assessments on youth and adults across the age span in emergency foster care shelters, group homes, hospitals, detention centers, correctional facilities, and private practice offices since 1997.
Expert Witness Testimony and Consultation
My work over the past several years allowed me to become quite well-versed on the issues of domestic violence, how Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)/Coercive Control (CC) appears specific to a perpetrator versus a victim, and how this abuse continues into the Family Court system. I am well versed in IPV/CC of both the protective parent and the children. (Read about Family Courts in my articles.)
Significant research was published by Dr. Daniel Saunders (2015), funded by the Department of Justice, and showed that judges needed to be adequately informed on IPV/CC. Dr. Saunders found that when IPV/CC was detected, parenting plans shifted to include parenting plans with higher levels of safety and higher rates of custody given to the protective parent. Further, the lethality of IPV was included, highlighting the seriousness of the issue that needs more excellent discussion in family courts.
The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges published A Judicial Guide to Child Safety in Custody Cases manual in 2008 that was developed by Judges, Attorneys, Psychologists, and other service providers specific to the management of IPV/CC cases in terms of victims/survivors and children. The manual discusses research on abuse that was once perpetrated on a partner frequently leads to abuse of children, supporting they are then at risk of IPV/CC. The manual outlines how the IPV/CC parent and the “at-risk parent” appear in court, and significant differences are noted. Cases are often mislabeled as “high conflict,” which is misleading and suggests both partners are engaged in a dispute. In contrast, the IPV/CC parent creates the conflict while the protective parent avoids conflict. The manual then provides information on parenting time limitations, custody recommendations, and deciding on legal rights for parenting, all of which focus on the safety of the protective parent and the children.
Consultations and services for forensic purposes are also available to examine an individual or a case to find ways in which Expert Witness Testimony or an assessment for one or more parties may be helpful. Consultation may also be in the form of providing agency information that can assist in providing services to the community, such as dealing with domestic violence, sexual violence, or child abuse victims.
My practice is becoming increasingly specialized in the areas of IPV/CC, family courts, custody cases, and child abuse. I work with several attorneys in North Carolina and Virginia and am available for consultations in complex cases.
Parental Capacity Evaluations
Parental capacity evaluations (PCEs) are specialized assessments that answer a Court’s question of who or what is best for the child or children by assessing the qualities of each parent.
Being licensed in North Carolina and Virginia allows me to travel and assist in these cases across both states. I have attained licensure mobility to practice now in 30+ states.
I conduct assessments of both parents whenever possible so that they are fairly and comparably presented to the Court. I also assess the relationship between each parent and their child or children. By comparably evaluating both parents, all gender bias is removed and the data from each measure speaks for itself specific to each parent. Both men and women, equally, have benefited from these evaluations.
The goal of my evaluations is to best meet the needs of the child or children. Both parents may be excellent in their roles although unable to communicate about their children.
My evaluations also come with the most updated research on domestic violence and child abuse, if it exists in your case. I have gathered numerous peer-reviewed and published research articles to support results of any given measure and the entirety of the evaluation.
I am a member of a number of organizations related to family courts and domestic violence with ongoing training from multiple professional agencies. I routinely attend training or review webinars to maintain awareness of new information, trends in family courts, and research as often as needed to answer any questions that arise for my clients.
Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity (NGRI)
Is this person competent to stand trial (Competency)? Is this person Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity (NGRI)? Does he or she have a history of mental illness that resulted in a serious crime? Did they understand that their behavior could result in serious injury, death, and consequences for their actions? I can answer these questions with the appropriate assessment measures. I have completed training through Institute of Law, Psychiatry, & Public Policy (ILPPP) through the University of Virginia that meets Virginia Statute standards to conduct these assessments.
Competency Evaluation
Is this person competent to stand trial (Competency/Capacity)? Is your client able to assist in his/her defense? Are they able to identify key players in the courtroom and their purpose for being there? If you suspect a client has significant psychological issues that are interfering with his or her ability to assist in their defense, utilize a competency evaluation. There are many measures that assess for faking psychological problems or for confirming cognitive, personality, neurological, or medical impairment. I have completed training through Institute of Law, Psychiatry, & Public Policy (ILPPP) through the University of Virginia that meets Virginia Statute standards to conduct these assessments.
Mental Status at Time of Offense (MST)
What was the Mental State at the Time of Offense (MSTO)? Does your client have mental illness issues that could have affected their behavior at the time of the offense? Were they entirely unable to prevent their impulse to injure or cause lethal damage to a victim of their crime? I am able to answer this question with the appropriate assessment measures if needed. I have completed training through Institute of Law, Psychiatry, & Public Policy (ILPPP) through the University of Virginia that meets Virginia Statute standards to conduct these assessments.
Risk/Needs Assessment
A risk/needs assessment is usually associated with a pending charge that poses a danger to others. The point of this type of assessment is to determine how much risk is present, if any, or to provide evidence that no risk exists. These risks may be in the form of physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence, anger problems, or other psychological problems that may impair one’s ability to control their behavior. As such, specific measures will be tailored to identify a diagnosis, possible treatment needs, and risk associated with the identified problem.
Retainer Fees
Licensed Clinical and Forensic Psychologists who choose to work with attorneys and court systems are subject to more stringent scrutiny and increased risk in their practice. Between your attorney and me, we can work together to utilize my time and your financial expenditures best. Insurance companies typically do not provide reimbursement for court assessments.
If expert witness testimony is best for your case, we will work out arrangements for packages of services that are best for your financial situation. In some cases, expert witness testimony may be more beneficial, less costly, and more effective with quicker results. I will work with you on the best package and hopefully protect you from years of financial abuse and unnecessary, costly litigation. I provided much greater detail in my IPV/CC section and posts related to family courts.
I prefer avoiding assessment in IPV/CC cases, but if an evaluation is unavoidable, I’m here for you. My assessment fees are designed to be flexible and accommodating to your financial situation. The retainer fee, which is similar to that of your attorney, will be determined based on the complexity of your case. This fee will cover the majority of the evaluation, with additional costs for Assessment at $250.00 per hour and court testimony at a separate retainer of $400.00 an hour, estimated at 8 hours. Each assessment is tailored to your needs, and fees can be adjusted to fit your financial situation.
In more complex cases, additional costs may be incurred due to factors such as Records Review, multiple Clinical Interviews, collateral interviews, additional assessment measures, Report Writing, travel time, and court appearances. We will discuss these factors and agree on an initial Retainer Fee, allowing you to plan your budget effectively.