A Tool for Every Advocate: The Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit (EAA)
October 24, 2025, 9am - 11am
Register for A Tool for Every Advocate: The Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit (EAA)
Document the Abuse (DTA) houses the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit (EAA) which helps victims to document any type of abuse. By educating victims to the resources available, they can be empowered to change their environment. This resource gives not only victims, but anyone who advocates on their behalf, a meaningful way to help. The EAA can be given to investigators as a legal document for use in court if the victim is not there to speak for themselves and a digital diary of their experiences to use in a meaningful way, document the abuse. This training will be a valuable resource to anyone that has contact with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, and any other situation that has the potential for violence. Additionally, first responders of any kind, police, hospital, paramedics, EMTs, etc. who can bring awareness to a resource that gives them back their power and control.
Learning Objectives: - To understand current responses to victims (report, shelter, move, restraining order, etc.)
- To understand how the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit documents the abuse in a way that serves the victim.
- To understand the role of law enforcement, judicial system, and other types of advocates in the use of the EAA.
On October 28, 2007 Norma Peterson's sister-in-law, Stacy Peterson, went “missing" and the journey her family has experienced since that day has run the gamut. It has just been in the last few years that Norma has been able to talk about her family's experiences. Dealing with the media and the press was an experience, not to mention the general public's attitude towards the family of the suspect, a scenario Norma would not wish on anyone. It is Norma's hope that in discussing her experiences, she may be able to change the perception for the families of those convicted or suspected of heinous crimes such as her brother-in-law, Drew Peterson.
Since that time, Norma has worked passionately and tirelessly to bring awareness to the existence of the EAA (Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit) which is a viable tool for victims of domestic violence, law enforcement and the judicial system. The Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit (EAA) is a prevention tool that allows a victim of abuse to document information that could be used in an investigation if someone should be killed or go missing. Due to the intense trauma that a victim suffers, it is not uncommon that they forget incidents or specific details. The Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit will make it easier to support and help victims through criminal prosecution. Norma also assists victims create their own EAA and currently works with local law enforcement and state legislators to establish this in their protocol when working with victims of domestic violence. Norma's media appearances have included Crime Watch Daily with Chris Hansen on the OWN Network, she also been featured on a Snapped episode aired on Oxygen, a UK documentary which is currently airing on Reelz UK, a Dateline NBC (11/21), along with multiple news segments on various Chicago outlets such as WGN, NBC, CBS and podcasts. Norma is in talks with a major streaming service about a new documentary involving Stacy's case which looks promising and will allow us to bring even more awareness to the work of Document The Abuse and the EAA.
Norma helps give a voice to victims and survivors. Her speaking engagements and training educate victims, criminal justice, law enforcement, first responders, victim advocates, corporate and private sector industry professionals, and university communities on the importance of supporting abuse victims and how to document the abuse. Norma has been both a speaker and a presenter on the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit at the National Missing Persons Conference held by the CUE Center, a non-profit which helps families of the missing find their loved ones. She, along with her husband Paul are Illinois State Coordinators for Community United Effort (CUE) and was a part of the NAWLEE Conference for women in law enforcement. Norma serves on the DuPage Family Violence Coordinating Council, Illinois DV Fatality Review Board (newly created by an Act passed in 2022), and participates in numerous events and trainings for DV Shelters, mental health providers and other community responders.
You Matter Too: Prioritizing Self-care for Caregivers
November 21, 2025, 9am - 11am
Register for You Matter Too: Prioritizing Self-care for Caregivers
This training is designed to educate and empower caregivers by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to recognize, prevent, and manage caregiver burnout. Participants will engage in a blend of education, practical strategies, and self-reflection activities. The session will also focus on helping caregivers strengthen their own well-being while continuing to provide compassionate care to others.
Learning Objectives: 1) Define self-care and explain its importance in the context of caregiving. 2) Identify common signs and symptoms of caregiver stress and burnout. 3) List at least 5 practical self-care strategies that can be realistically implemented in daily life.
Elizabeth J. Godinho, MSW, LSW, PEL, is a Licensed Social Worker and holds a Professional Educator's License. She brings over five years of experience in both school settings and private practice, and currently serves as a full-time therapist at Graceful Therapy. Elizabeth specializes in treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Grief, Pre-marital Counseling, and Suicidal Ideation. With a client-centered approach, she provides support in both English and Spanish, tailoring each session to meet clients where they are while offering empowering tools for their journey toward healing. In addition to her clinical work, Elizabeth has extensive experience training social workers, therapists, and community members on a variety of mental health topics, most recently through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
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