Workshop Pricing: 

$50: GPA Members

$80: Non-members

$20: GPA Student Members

The Survivor Justice Act: Implications for Practice 

Virtual Workshop | CE: 3 Hours

Presenters: Dana L. Formon, Ph.D., ABPP, Jamie Dickson, Psy.D.

Workshop Description:

The Survivor Justice Act-HB 582 (SJA) went into effect on July 1, 2025. The SJA is designed to prevent those who have survived intimate partner violence and child abuse from being convicted of actions involving self-defense and coercion. The SJA has broadened the ways in which affirmative defenses can
be used in Georgia and broadened sentencing considerations for abuse survivors. This workshop will focus on educating attendees about the SJA and its impact in trial and sentencing proceedings. It will then delve into the various ways psychologists might become involved in cases in which the SJA is relevant.

Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the key provisions of the Survivor Justice Act (HB582) and how it broadens affirmative defenses and sentencing considerations for survivors of intimate partner violence and child abuse.
2. Identify the potential roles psychologists may play in cases where the SJA is relevant, including forensic evaluation, expert testimony, and consultation.
3. Evaluate the clinical, ethical, and legal implications of applying the SJA in trial and sentencing contexts, with attention to survivor-centered perspectives.

About the Presenters:

Dana L. Formon, Ph.D., ABPP (Forensic) received her doctoral degree from Sam Houston State University in 2019, and completed her pre-doctoral internship at FCC Butner. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in forensic psychology with the Colorado Department of Human Services, where she worked for one-year post-licensure, supervising interns and fellows. She was employed as an evaluator at Central State Hospital in Virginia for a brief period before finding her home at Forensic Specialty Group in Marietta, GA, where she completes primarily criminal forensic evaluations of competency (adult and juvenile), criminal responsibility, risk assessment, and mitigation. She is also an instructor at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI, and remains involved in remote forensic evaluations for the State of Colorado. She is actively engaged in research on burnout and the use of artificial intelligence in forensic psychology.

Jamie Dickson, Psy.D. earned her Doctor of Psychology in 2008 from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology. She completed her pre-doctoral field training in a variety of settings including private practices, state psychiatric hospitals, juvenile justice facilities, and Devereux. Dr. Dickson also completed her post-doctoral training at Devereux, which is a residential treatment facility for children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavioral disorders. After completion of her post-doctoral training in 2009, she worked as the facility psychologist at Devereux until June 2013, when she entered private practice. During her years of schooling and field training, Dr. Dickson conducted psychological evaluations with children, adolescents, and adults. Her training included education and supervised experience conducting forensic psychological evaluations as well. Dr. Dickson also received education and supervised experience in providing therapy for child, adolescent, and adult clients. Her private practice work focuses on conducting forensic psychological assessments of adolescents and adults. Dr. Dickson also regularly reviews and consults on forensic interviews with children.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing to Karen Carroll via email (operations@gapsychology.org). A $35 cancellation fee will be retained for any cancellations prior to one week before the event. No refunds will be given within one week of the event.

The Georgia Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Georgia Psychological Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.