In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Crime Victims Institute is hosting its first webinar at Sam Houston State University on April 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Hazel B. Kerper Courtroom on “Preventing Re-Victimization and Victim Blaming in the Criminal Justice System.”

This is the first in a series of webinars that will be offered through the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology to facilitate additional dialogue among faculty and students on the latest trends and topics in criminal justice and criminology. This webinar will be presented by the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA).

“This webinar will provide valuable information for students planning on going into professions in either victim services or the criminal justice system,” said Dr. Leana Bouffard, Director of the Crime Victims’ Institute.

“Future law enforcement officers would benefit from learning about victim behavior and how to avoid victim blaming in their interactions with victims to avoid potentially revictimizing those individuals and to encourage their continuing involvement in a case. Future victim services professionals can learn how to be better advocates for victims in their interactions with the criminal justice system.”