A domestic violence expert witness helps the court understand the psychological and behavioral impact of abuse. Drawing from clinical and trauma-informed expertise, the expert provides context for survivor behavior that may appear confusing or counterintuitive, such as staying with an abuser, recanting, or acting in self-defense. By bridging mental health and legal understanding, domestic violence experts ensure that survivor experiences are seen through an informed, compassionate, and evidence-based lens.

Tatiana has worked on self-defense cases with psychological issues in domestic violence and/or trauma (e.g., homicides, assaults, child abuse), as well as cases involving coercion, duress, mitigation, and other issues based on a history of domestic violence and/or trauma (e.g., kidnaping, burglary, failure to protect).

What clients can expect: Clients can expect a compassionate, trauma-informed process that centers safety and respect. Each evaluation includes a series of interviews and, when helpful, specialized assessments to better understand the client's individual experience. The expert reviews relevant case materials to ensure a complete picture and can prepare a detailed report as well as provide courtroom testimony to help others understand the impact of domestic violence and coercive control.

Arena offers interactive trainings and workshops for clinicians, attorneys, advocates, students, and community organizations seeking deeper, more nuanced understanding of trauma, violence, and systemic harm. Our trainings are grounded in trauma-informed, dignity-centered, and justice-oriented frameworks, bridging clinical insight with real-world legal and social systems.

Led by professionals with dual expertise in mental health and law, Arena’s trainings move beyond surface-level “trauma-informed” language to explore how trauma shows up in courtrooms, therapy rooms, schools, workplaces, and communities, and how systems themselves can perpetuate harm when these dynamics are misunderstood or ignored.

Workshops may include topics such as:

• Criminalized survivorship and the intersection of domestic violence, family law, and criminal systems

• Trauma, coercive control, and decision-making under threat

• Vicarious trauma, burnout, and ethical care for helping professionals

• Trauma-informed legal advocacy

• Re-entry, wrongful conviction, and dignity-centered support for system-impacted individuals

• Bridging clinical and legal perspectives in multidisciplinary work

Trainings are highly customizable and can be adapted for conferences, agencies, nonprofits, universities, legal teams, and community groups. Sessions emphasize practical application, case examples, reflective discussion, and tools participants can immediately integrate into their work.

At Arena, we believe that education is a form of prevention, advocacy, and healing, and that meaningful change requires professionals who understand both individual trauma and the systems surrounding it.

Arena’s Mock Trial program introduces students and young people to the legal system through experiential learning. Designed to inspire future advocates—especially from communities historically underrepresented in law—the program breaks down complex legal concepts and courtroom processes in accessible, engaging ways. Each mock trial encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and emotional awareness, promoting both legal literacy and social-emotional growth.

What clients can expect: Participants can expect an engaging, hands-on experience that mirrors real courtroom proceedings while emphasizing teamwork, empathy, and critical thinking. Through guided role-play, students explore different perspectives within the justice system, including attorneys, witnesses, jurors, and judges, building both confidence and communication skills. Facilitators create a supportive environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and emotional regulation, helping participants better understand the legal process and their own capacity to lead, advocate, and think critically about issues of justice.