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Expert Witness Testimony & Consultation:
Domestic Violence & Trauma

When a case involves domestic violence, intimate partner violence, trauma, or coercive control, the outcome can hinge on whether the court truly understands what the survivor experienced and why they responded the way they did.

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That’s where I come in.

Who I Work With

I provide expert witness services for:

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  • Attorneys representing domestic violence survivors in family court, criminal proceedings, or civil litigation

  • Defense attorneys in cases where trauma responses are relevant to the defendant’s behavior or state of mind

  • Prosecutors building cases that require clinical expertise on abuse dynamics

  • Guardian ad litem and child protective professionals in cases involving family violence

  • Courts seeking qualified expert testimony on trauma, coercive control, or intimate partner violence

My Qualifications

I hold a PhD in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, with a research focus on intimate partner violence, trauma recovery, and survivor advocacy.

 

My clinical and professional background includes:

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  • Licensed clinical social worker (LMSW, completing LCSW hours) in Texas

  • Associate Professor of Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University since 2017

  • Direct clinical experience with domestic violence survivors in agency and community settings

  • Former Victim Advocate with a law enforcement agency, providing direct support to crime and trauma survivors

  • Active researcher in gun violence prevention, intimate partner violence, and trauma-informed practice

  • Volunteer with Moms Demand Action, Tarrant County

 

I provide credible, evidence-based testimony grounded in current research and real clinical experience. I understand how coercive control works, why survivors don’t always behave the way people expect, and how to explain complex trauma dynamics in language a judge or jury can understand.

What I Can Provide

Expert Witness Testimony​​

In-court testimony on topics including:

  • The dynamics of domestic violence and intimate partner violence

  • Coercive control and its psychological effects on survivors

  • Why survivors stay, return, or delay reporting

  • Trauma bonding and its impact on decision-making

  • PTSD and trauma responses in the context of abuse

  • The effects of witnessing domestic violence on children

  • Lethality indicators in domestic violence cases

 

Case Consultation & Review​

Pre-testimony services including:

  • Review of case materials, police reports, medical records, and prior evaluations

  • Written reports and clinical summaries

  • Consultation with legal teams on case strategy and framing

  • Deposition preparation

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Fees

  • In-Court Testimony: $200/hour

  • Case Preparation & Consultation: $100/hour (case file review, written reports, depositions)

  • Travel: Billed at cost (flight, lodging, transportation) plus $100/hour travel rate

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I am available for cases throughout Texas. For cases outside Texas, please inquire about availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my case needs an expert witness?

If your case involves a survivor’s behavior that may seem counterintuitive, why they stayed, why they recanted, why they didn’t report sooner, expert testimony can provide the clinical context that makes those behaviors understandable. Cases involving coercive control, trauma bonding, or PTSD often benefit significantly from expert testimony.

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Can you work with both prosecution and defense?

Yes. I evaluate cases based on the facts and the science, not the outcome sought. My testimony reflects my honest clinical and research-based opinion. I’m happy to discuss whether my expertise is a good fit for your specific case before any engagement.

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What is your turnaround time for case review?

This depends on case complexity and my current availability. I’ll give you a realistic timeline when we discuss your case. Please reach out as early in the process as possible.

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