Sexual Assault Training held at Susquehanna University

On April 12, 2012, Transitions hosted Christopher Mallios, attorney advisor from Aequitas, the Prosecutor’s Resource for Violence against Women.  He presented seven hours of training to 45 law enforcement officers, including those serving in custody and probation capacities, 24 victim/witness coordinators and advocates, Snyder County’s District Attorney, and one of Northumberland County’s Assistant District Attorneys.  The training was supported by Grant No. 2009/2010/2011-VA-06-20518 awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for the STOP Formula Grant Program, awarded to Snyder County.  It was held at Susquehanna University, with many of the participants coming from Snyder County. 

Mr. Mallios presented information about alcohol facilitated sexual assault.  Participants learned that more than 97,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape, and that victims of drug-facilitated or incapacitated rape were less likely than victims of forcible rape to report to authorities.  Information was also presented about how prosecutors can overcome assailants’ defense that the victim consented.  The audience was also trained in how to understand and prosecute non-stranger rapists.  Much of the afternoon was spent learning how to relate to and treat victims in a more empowering way.  Mr. Mallios shared many stories of his time serving in the District Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia, which served to illustrate many of the techniques presented.  Upon leaving the training, the participants were better equipped to deal with issues ranging from treatment of victims within the criminal justice system to how to get convictions once perpetrators are charged.