Date: August 27, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Host: PDS
Credits: 1
Cost: Free
Location: Zoom
Registration: [Register here]
Summary: This training provides an overview of the psychological and forensic issues that arise in criminal cases involving intimate partner violence (IPV), including the effects of trauma, coercive control, PTSD, and Battered Woman Syndrome on behavior and decision-making. Participants will learn how forensic psychological evaluations can inform issues such as self-defense, mitigation, sentencing, and other trauma-related defenses. The training will review the components of a comprehensive IPV evaluation and highlight practical considerations for attorneys when working with trauma survivors and forensic experts.
Faculty Biography: Dr. Brandi Diaz is a licensed forensic psychologist with specialized training and experience in forensic mental health assessment, psychological testing, trauma, interpersonal violence, and criminal forensic evaluations. She earned her Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology at Nova Southeastern University. Her clinical and forensic experience spans correctional, hospital, community, and private practice settings. Dr. Diaz is the owner of Diaz Forensic Psychological Services, where she conducts forensic evaluations related to competency to proceed, criminal responsibility, battered person syndrome, trauma, and criminalized victims. She provides expert testimony, consultation, psychological assessment, and court-related reporting for criminal and civil legal matters.
Dr. Diaz trained and collaborated professionally with Lenore Walker, internationally recognized for coining the term "Battered Woman Syndrome." Through this work, Dr. Diaz developed specialized expertise in forensic evaluations involving interpersonal violence, trauma, coercive control, and criminalized survivors of abuse. She has contributed extensively to professional training, research, and higher education, presenting nationally on forensic assessment, competency restoration, interpersonal violence, and trauma-informed treatment. Her scholarly work includes peer-reviewed journal articles, encyclopedia chapters, and book chapters focused on forensic psychology, interpersonal violence, trauma, competency evaluations, and psychological assessment. She has collaborated on multiple publications related to battered women syndrome, women who kill in self-defense, forensic evaluation practices, and gender violence within legal systems.
Admission Restrictions: Unless otherwise approved by PDS, to attend this training, you must be eligible to accept PDS case assignments or be a current student at Maine Law.