Bill > SB618

This bill requires the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia to provide annual continuing legal education on trauma-informed practices to specific court personnel, including magistrates, clerks, judges of juvenile and domestic relations district courts, general district courts, and circuit courts, as well as other court employees. This education will focus on proceedings involving sexual abuse or abuse of a family or household member, and its content will be determined by the Department of Educational Services within the Office of the Executive Secretary, with a mandatory inclusion of victim impact testimony. Trauma-informed practices are an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery, emphasizing physical, psychological, and emotional safety, and empowering survivors to rebuild control and choice.

Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB618