Animal Cruelty & Interpersonal Violence: Veterinary Forensics and Evidence

Presenters Diane Balkin and Dr. Melinda Merck discuss what judges and other family law professionals should know about the basics of veterinary forensics and the presentation of animal abuse-related evidence in court. Participants learn about the similarities and differences between the presentation of injury, pain, and suffering in animals and humans, and how this information is useful for judges in cases involving domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, juvenile offenses, and elder abuse. While primarily oriented to judicial officers, the webinar is relevant to all interested stakeholders and provides participants with practical information on recognizing and responding to maltreatment of animals and humans in juvenile and family law cases.