EFTA Document EFTA01651648

2021 3rd Annual Suffolk County Campus Sexual Assault Prevention Enough is Enough Collaborative Conference April 15th, 2021 9:0 1 0 10:00 10:10 - 11:00 11:10 - 12:00 12:10 - 1:00 1:10- 2:00 AL L AGAINST ABUSE ORG Introduction and Welcome: Laura A. Ahearn, Esq., LMSW, Executive Director CVC Guest Speaker: Steve Bellone, Suffolk County Executive Guest Speaker: Timothy Sini, Suffolk County District Attorney Christina Vargas, Chief Diversity Officer & Title IX Coordinator Title IX Overview Suffolk County Community College Assessment and Intervention of PTSD Presented by Daniel Sullivan, MA, M.S.W. & Stephanie Grimaldi, MA I Clinical Psychology Doctoral Students The Phobia and Trauma Clinic at Hofstra University's Joan and Arnold Saltzman Community Services Center The Intersection of Trauma, Addiction, and Eating Disorders: From Isolation to Re-Attachment Presented by Dr. Valentina Stoycheva, Ph.D. I Co-Founder and Director STEPS (Stress & Trauma Evaluation and Psychological Services, New York) An Overview of NY State Sex Crimes and Consent Presented by Eric Aboulafia & Melissa Grier, Assistant District Attorneys The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office Civil Litigation of Sexual Abuse Claims —Jeffrey Epstein Case Study Presented by Bradley J. Edwards, Esq., Founding Partner at Edwards Pottinger LLC & Brittany Henderson, Esq., Partner at Edwards Pottinger LLC CVC CRIME VIC EIMS CLN I LI( Parents for Megan's Law •11-O19H111] MIS Sr Pireenti011 Brighter Tomorrows, Inc. EFTA01651648 Breakout Session I 10:10 am - 10:50 am Assessment and Intervention of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Daniel Sullivan, MA, MSW & Stephanie Grimaldi, MA, MSW Clinical Psychology Doctoral Students The Phobia and Trauma Clinic at Hofstra University's Joan and Arnold Saltzman Community Services Center The workshop will focus on prevalence, assessment and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Approximately 7% of the general adult population in the United States will hold a diagnosis of PTSD at some point in their life. Participants in this workshop will learn about the development and maintenance of PTSD symptoms, be introduced to gold standard assessment tools implemented by mental health professionals to determine a PTSD diagnosis, and be exposed to a wide range of evidence based treatments specifically designed to target PTSD symptoms. Breakout Session II 11:10 am — 12:00 pm The Intersection of Trauma, Addiction, and Eating Disorders Dr. Valentina Stoycheva, Ph.D. Co-Founder and Director STEPS (Stress & Trauma Evaluation and Psychological Services, New York) This workshop will focus on the connection between trauma, addiction, and eating disorders. Through an attachment framework, we will examine the inner dynamics of alienation, isolation, and simultaneously, the need for nurturing that underlie all of these mental health problems. In addition, we will examine how somatic processing and working on enhancing the connection between body and mind can facilitate healing. Breakout Session III 12:10 pm — 1:00 pm An Overview of Sex Crimes and Consent Eric Aboulafia & Melissa Grier, I Assistant District Attorneys The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office This presentation will consist of an overview of criminal charges pertaining to sexual assault which are commonly encountered on a college campus. The presenters will discuss, among other things, the elements of those crimes, relevant statute of limitations considerations, and commonly held concerns by victims of sexual abuse. Finally, the presenters will provide an overview of how a criminal case travels through the criminal justice system, including obstades faced by the prosecution and victim considerations. Breakout Session IV 1:10 pm - 2:00 pm Civil Litigation of Sexual Abuse Claims — Jeffrey Epstein Bradley). Edwards, Esq. I Founding Partner at Edwards Pottinger LLC & Brittany Henderson, Esq. I Partner at Edwards Pottinger LLC This workshop will use the Jeffrey Epstein case to explain civil remedies available to survivors of sexual abuse and human trafficking in both state and federal courts. Presenters, Brittany Henderson, Esq. and Bradley J. Edwards, Esq. were featured in Lifetime's documentary "Surviving Jeffrey Epstein", Netflix's documentary "Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich", and ABCs 20/20, for their tireless work fighting for the rights of victims of violent and sexual crimes. Mr. Edwards and Ms. Henderson also authored "Relentless Pursuit: My Fight for the Victims of Jeffrey Epstein". 24/7 Crisis Hotlines: a 39--, hc.saut r w- Sgl ene55 MCS CVC CRINI I. VICTIMS CENTER Parents for Megan's Law frromiringrann& OOP Preintion www.CrimeVictims Center.org The Crime Victims Center: (631) 332-9234 NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence (800) 942-6906 The Retreat: (631) 329-2200 VIBS: (631) 360-3606 NYS Police Campus Sexual Assault Victims Unit 1-844-845-7269 This Conference was developed in pact with funding provided by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOHI, Division of Fanny Health. Its contents are solely the responsibilly of the collaborating agencies and do not necessarily represent the official views of NYSDOH. EFTA01651649 About the Speakers Steve Bellone, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone was sworn into office as Suffolk County Executive on January 1, 2012. He is the 8th County Executive in County history. He previously served as Babylon Town Supervisor from 2001-2011. County Executive Bellone, who represents more than 1.5 million residents, has focused his efforts on saving taxpayer dollars through Government Reform, boosting Economic Development to create local and lasting Suffolk County jobs, improving Long Island's Water Quality to protect the region's water supply, and enhancing the Quality of We of Suffolk residents by improving public safety and investing in County parks and roads. County Executive Bellone has and continues to be a leader in the fight against sexual assault. He spearheaded the Suffolk County Community Protection Act which has resulted in a reduction of sex offender recidivism in Suffolk, tens of thousands of children and adults being educated about sexual abuse prevention, and victims being provided comprehensive trauma informed support services. He also partnered closely with the CVC to ensure the successful implementation of the National Association of Counties Award winning CVC automated crime victim services referral program which ensures all communities within Suffolk have equal access to support services and are educated about their rights under the law. Timothy Sini, Suffolk County District Attorney Tim Sini was sworn in as the Suffolk County District Attorney on January 1, 2018. Under the leadership of District Attorney Sini, the Office has focused on aggressively addressing the drug epidemic, eradicating violent street gangs such as MS-13, combatting illegal dumping and other environmental crimes that threaten our environment and public health, ending the horrors of human trafficking, holding public officials accountable for their misdeeds, and ensuring the administration of justice by creating a conviction integrity bureau. Prior to District Attorney Sini's election, he served as the 13th Commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department, during which time he restored integrity to the leadership of the Police Department, dramatically reduced crime, improved community relations, and enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department through improving processes and investing in technology. Prior to his appointment as Police Commissioner, District Attorney Sini served as the Suffolk County Assistant Deputy County Executive for Public Safety. He also previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. District Attorney Sini has and continues to aggressively prosecute sexual predators and human traffickers who target our most vulnerable. His office collaborates closely with Suffolk County victims support service providers to ensure that victims receive comprehensive trauma informed assistance. Christina Vargas, Chief Diversity Officer & Title IX Coordinator at Suffolk Community College Christina Vargas is the Chief Diversity Officer and Title IX Coordinator at Suffolk County Community College. She has responsibility for developing, leading, providing oversight and meeting strategic initiatives and priorities related to diversity, equity and inclusion for faculty, staff and students. She also oversees compliance with anti-discrimination policies and harassment complaint resolution. Previously, she spent 20 years of her career at Stony Brook University, serving as Director of Diversity and Affirmative Action/Title IX Coordinator for all University academic and administrative areas, Stony Brook Medicine and the Long Island State Veteran's home. Throughout her career, she has displayed a passion for social justice, multiculturalism, inclusion and equity and has worked to bring various communities together in partnership. Ms. Vargas was selected as a 2020 Fellow of the SUNY Hispanic Leadership Institute, is on the Board of Directors for ERASE Racism, Inc., is a past President of Stony Brook University's Alumni Association, and serves an adjunct lecturer for the Master's Program in Higher Education Administration at Stony Brook University Ms. Vargas received her Bachelor of Science in Business Management and her Master of Science in Management and Policy from Stony Brook. She holds a Diversity Management Certification as an Advanced Practitioner from Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations. This Conference was developed in part with funding provided by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Division of Family Health. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the collaborating agencies and do not necessarily represent the official views of NYSDOH. EFTA01651650 Workshop Presenters Daniel Sullivan, MA, Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student at The Phobia and Trauma Clinic at Hofstra University's Joan and Arnold Saltzman Community Services Center Daniel Sullivan, M.A., M.S.W., is a fourth-year doctoral student In Hofstra University's dinical psychology Ph.O. program. His clinical experiences includes the assessment and intervention of anxiety disorders. At Hofstra, he provides exposure-based treatment to adults in the Phobia & Trauma Clinic. In addition to his work at Hofstra, he is currently completing a clinical externship in clinical neuropsychology at North Shore University Hospital. As an extern on this service, Daniel provides neuropsychological assessment to adults to assess a variety of neurological conditions. His research Interests flow from this experience and center on the role of executive functioning in risky sexual behavior. Prior to enrolling in a doctoral program, Daniel earned his M.S.W. from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service and his B.A. in psychology from Stony Brook University. 1 Stephanie Grimaldi, MA, Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student at The Phobia and Trauma Clinic at Hofstra University's Joan and Arnold Saltzman Community Services Center Stephanie Grimaldi, M.A., is a clinical psychology extern in the Behavioral Health College Partnership program at the Zucker Hillside Hospital working with high-risk young adults in both an inpatient and outpatient setting. She previously held an extemship at the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at the New York State Psychiatric Institute where she gained extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (0CD). Stephanie earned her B.A. In psychology and philosophy from St. John's University and her master's degree in Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is currently a 4th year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program at Hofstra University, where she's received comprehensive training in exposure therapy for anxiety related disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at Hofstra's Phobia and Trauma Clinic. While at Hofstra, she's worked closely with Nassau County's Veteran's Treatment Court providing evidenced based treatments to veterans diagnosed with PTSD. Prior to attending graduate school, Stephanie served as a Clinical Research Coordinator and Lab Manager for the Psychiatric NeuroCognition Lab at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, conducting neuroimaging and behavioral studies with patients with psychiatric disorders, primarily focusing on those with obsessive•compulsive and related disorders. Stephanie's research interests include examining sensory processing and intolerance in OCD, and furthering the development of evidence based treatments for OCD. Dr. Valentina Stoycheva, Ph.D. Co-Founder and Director at STEPS (Stress & Trauma Evaluation and Psychological Services), New York Dr. Valentina Stoycheva received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Derner Institute for Advanced Psychological Studies at Adelphi University, Garden City, NY. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn and a post-doctoral fellowship specializing in military and trauma psychology at the Unified Behavioral Health Center for Military Personnel and their Families, Northwell Health. She has received specialized trainings in utilizing empirically-based treatments (EBTs) for PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders, as well as couples/family psychotherapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (TF-CBT) for children. Dr. Stoycheva has worked extensively within the field of trauma—ranging from early childhood abuse to domestic violence, to surviving natural disasters and war-related trauma—as well as with anxiety and panic disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. The scope of her experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her approach is integrative, blending psychodynamic, relational, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical-behavioral techniques, tailored individually for each client. Dr. Stoycheva has also held a two-year Research Fellowship at the Pacella Parent-Child Center, New York Psychoanalytic Institute. She has taught both undergraduate and graduate-level college courses and has contributed over a dozen publications and presentations in the fields of trauma, family dynamics, and the psychotherapy process. Dr. Stoycheva is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), of Division 56 (Trauma Division) of AM, of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), and of the Suffolk County Psychological Assodation. She recently coauthored The Unconscious: Theory, Research, and Clinical Implications, published by the Guilford Press (httos://www.guilford.com/booksne•Unconscious/Weinberger- Stovcheva/9781462541058). The book focuses on how everyday unconscious processes shape our beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, behaviors, and the psychotherapy process. Eric Aboulafia, Assistant District Attorney at The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office Eric S. Aboulafia is a Trial Supervisor currently assigned to the District Court Bureau. Prior to that appointment, he was assigned to the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau of the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office. During his 12 years of service at the District Attorney's Office, he has brought approximately 50 trials to verdict. Those prosecutions involved crimes ranging from Possession of Child Pornography to Rape and Murder. Eric earned his undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Binghamton in 2005, graduating cum laude, and his law degree from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in 2008. He was admitted to the New York Bar in June 2009. EFTA01651651 Workshop Presenters Melissa Grier, Assistant District Attorney at The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office Melissa Grier is an Assistant District Attorney at The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office. For the last 7'A years, Melissa has been assigned to the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau. During her tenure, she has prosecuted and tried numerous cases relating to charges of Rape, Attempted Murder, Assault, and Unlawful Surveillance. Melissa graduated from Hofstra Law School in 2009 after receiving bachelor's and master's degrees from Boston University. She was admitted to the New York Bar in June 2010. Bradley J. Edwards, Esq. Founding Partner at Edwards Pottinger LLC Brad Edwards is the founding partner of Edwards Pottinger. He is a nationally recognized Board Certified Civil Trial attorney who specializes in providing civil representation for children, survivors of sexual abuse, and victims of violent crimes. In three separate years, Brad was recognized for obtaining one of the Top SO US Verdicts in the United States including 2015, 2016, and 2018. He was also recognized for obtaining two of the top Florida verdicts in 2011 and 2012. This achievement was highlighted in 2018, when he obtained a $71 million jury verdict, along with Brittany Henderson, on behalf of a client who was sexually abused on board a private yacht. This was the largest Jury verdict in the United States obtained on behalf of a single survivor of sexual abuse. Before entering private practice, he began his legal career at the Broward County State Attorney's Office, where he became a lead trial attorney prosecuting violent criminals. While Brad has devoted his practice and his life to fighting for children and crime victims, his range as a trial lawyer is much broader. Brad has tried cases before Judges and juries, from complex class actions to personal injury wrongful death cases, and has represented victims of sexual abuse and violent crimes in state and federal courts across the country. Throughout his career, he has obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for his clients. Despite his busy trial schedule, Brad provides hundreds of hours of pro bono services and educational presentations each year to Victims Advocate Services and victims' rights groups throughout the country. For the past decade, Brad has been pursuing a precedent setting case in Federal Court, on a pro bono basis, on behalf of victims who were sexually molested by well-connected billionaire, Jeffrey Epstein. In February 2019, the Judge on the case ruled in the victims' favor, holding clearly that the government had violated the rights of Epstein's victims under the Crime Victims' Rights Act. Brad is rated AV by his professional peers through the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating system as a Top Rated Lawyer. According to Martindale-Hubbell, the "AV' rating of "Very High to Preeminent" legal ability is a testament from peer legal professionals of the highest level of professional excellence and of unquestionable ethics. Brad has also been certified as a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Brad has been profiled in The Best Lawyers in America, recognized by the National Trial Lawyers and by SuperLawyers as being one of the best lawyers in the country. Since 2015, the National Association of Distinguished Counsel has recognized Brad as one of the Nation's Top One Percent. His competitive edge is evident in the way he tirelessly prepares his cases. Prior to pursuing a career in law, Brad was a standout high school quarterback as well as a nationally ranked tennis player. He played collegiate tennis at the University of Florida and graduated with honors. Brad currently serves on the board of the Broward County Justice Association; and is a member of the following organizations: American Board of Trial Advocates; National Crime Victims Bar Association; National Trial Lawyers Association; the Broward County Trial Lawyers; and the American Bar Association. Brad is a member of the Florida Bar, the New York Bar, the District of Columbia Bar, the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida and is admitted to practice in Florida, New York, and the District of Columbia. Brittany Henderson, Esq. Partner at Edwards Pottinger LLC • Brittany Henderson is a partner at Edwards Pottinger. She represents crime victims and survivors of sexual abuse in civil litigation. In 2016, Brittany was recognized for obtaining one of the top SO jury verdicts in the United States resulting from a high profile sexual abuse case that she litigated with Brad Edwards in Federal Court in Chicago, Illinois and again in 2018, when they obtained a $71 million verdict in state court pursuant to Federal Maritime Law on behalf of a young woman who was sexually assaulted while working as a crew member on a large yacht. She has worked with and against lawyers considered the best in the country and has obtained nearly $100 million in jury verdicts and settlements in her career. In addition to being a fearless advocate for crime victims, Brittany has co-founded two progressive charities for sexual abuse survivors and is committed to making a difference both in the courtroom and in the community. Brittany has been recognized as a Rising Star by SuperLawyers and by the National Trial Lawyers Association's "Top 40 Under 40." She is a member of the National Crime Victims Bar Association, the American Justice Association, the Broward County Trial Lawyers Association, and the Broward County Women Lawyers' Association. Brittany graduated Magna Cum Laude from Nova Southeastern University College of Law in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where she was served on the executive committees of both the Nova Law Review and the Moot Court Society. She received the prestigious Stephanie Aleong Impact Award from the College of Law, and upon graduation, she was named to the National Order of Barristers. Prior to attending law school, Brittany graduated with honors from Auburn University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Brittany is a member of the Florida Bar, the District of Columbia Bar, the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, and is admitted to practice in all Florida State Courts and District of Columbia Courts. EFTA01651652