BWLAP provides expert training to battered women, their advocates, their attorneys, and other system professionals on all aspects of domestic violence-related law in Minnesota. Our annual New Laws training program, held at six accessible sites throughout the state each August and September, is the most visible of our programs, and is the single greatest source of up-to-date legal information to advocates and professionals. In 2008, six training events were held in Windom, Alexandria, Bemijdi, Aitkin, Faribault, and Minneapolis. These training events provide materials and updated information to train other service providers, including:
The training program effectively utilizes a "Train the Trainer" model, where critical information is provided to a core group of people who then disburse it in wider circles.
To search for currently scheduled training events, click here to go to the events page. BWLAP provides training on issues related to stalking through the Stalking Program. To request a special training session in the area of Domestic Violence, please contact BWLAP with information on which session(s) you are interested in.
Domestic Violence Fundamentals: This training is designed for those who are interested in receiving fundamental information about domestic violence. Not just for professionals who have never attended a basic/fundamental domestic violence training, but also for professionals who are interested in refreshing their basic understanding of domestic violence.
Family Court Crisis: Abusers Getting Child Custody: Movie: "Small Justice" and "Breaking the Silence" Small Justice and Breaking the Silence are two independent films created to expose the problems in the family court system for victims of domestic violence and victims of child sexual abuse. Both documentaries follow specific families as they fight to be protected from the abuser. A discussion will follow the movie about how it will impact or change the practice family law in relation to domestic violence and child sexual abuse.
Data Practices, Confidentiality and You: How Minnesota's Data Practices laws effect confidentiality for domestic violence programs.
Confidentiality v. Subpoenas, Which Will Win?: Confidentiality is the most important thing a domestic violence program can offer to a battered woman. What laws require programs to keeps information confidential? And can a program fend off a subpoena request?
Subpoenas and Warrants: The Police Are at Your Door. Do You Know What to Do?: Many domestic violence programs have dealt with their advocates or files being subpoenaed and warrants or process being served on shelter clients. What do your policies state about subpoenas, warrants and service of process? Do all of the staff and volunteers know what to do if the police or process server arrives at the door? And what are the legal arguments programs can use to quash the subpoena or warrant?
Family Law 101: What every advocate needs to know about the family court process.
The Important of Screening for Domestic Violence: What every attorney needs to know about screening for domestic violence.
Landlord/Tenant Law and Domestic Violence
Violence Against Women's Act and Housing
Record Keeping: Do I Write This Down?: Domestic violence programs must maintain records, and files, related to their services and clientele. However, these records can endanger the women we serve by increasing the risk that confidential information will be released. Therefore, as a line of defense, program should develop sound record keeping policies and advocates must always be asking themselves, "Do I write this down?"
MOUs, Working Agreements, Interagency Agreements: How Well Crafted Are Yours? Most domestic violence programs have agreements with other agencies detailing each other's responsibilities. Many have wondered, is my agreement crafted to protect my program? Is the purpose clear? Is confidentiality being protected?
Technology Safety: While technology has been helpful and at times a lifeline for many battered women, sometimes technology can be used against battered women and endanger their lives. This session will address old and new technology and the ways that it can help battered women and the ways it can harm. Topics can include specific suggestion for organizations, new hardware and software applications and ideas to help protect battered women.
Orders for Protection/Harassment Restraining Order Law
Lethality Assessments
How to advocate in the legal system
Criminal Law 101
Crawford and lineage
Annual New Laws: This training focuses on the law changes that have occurred in the prior year that might have an impact on battered women and their children. The training includes information on Minnesota State legislative changes, Minnesota Appeals Court decisions, Minnesota's tribal court changes, immigration policy changes, federal legislative changes and Federal Appeals Courts decisions on topics that most effect domestic violence victims. (course materials are available for a fee - contact BWLAP for details)
Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you are in danger, please use a safer computer and/or call Day One Minnesota's Domestic Violence Crisis Line at: 1.866.223.1111
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