Forensic Practice
Forensic psychology is the application of the science and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system. In her forensic psychology practice, Dr. Hughes conducts comprehensive forensic psychological evaluations, provides attorney consultations, and serves as an expert witness in the general area of psychological disorders, intimate partner violence (domestic violence), coercive control, adult survivors of childhood sexual/physical/psychological abuse, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, cult abuse, and traumatic stress disorders.
Dr. Hughes has performed hundreds of psychological assessments of litigants in civil matters and of defendants in criminal matters. Dr. Hughes is frequently consulted on criminal and civil cases involving the psychological and traumatic effects of various types of interpersonal violence and traumatic experiences, such as childhood sexual abuse, clergy abuse, Boy Scout abuse, teacher/coach abuse, cult abuse, campus sexual assault, intimate partner violence, workplace gender-based harassment, and wrongful conviction. Dr. Hughes has served as an expert witness in numerous criminal cases involving battered women who have assaulted or killed their abusive partners in self-defense and of abuse victims who have acted out violently against their perpetrator. In criminal matters, Dr. Hughes has assessed numerous individuals with regard to their psychological functioning and psychological state of mind at the time of an alleged offense.
Dr. Dawn Hughes received Board Certification in Forensic Psychology in 2005. The receipt of the Diploma in Forensic Psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) attests to the fact that an established organization of peers has examined and accepted Dr. Hughes as functioning at the highest level of excellence in the field of forensic psychology. The ABPP diploma has been recognized by judicial decisions, regulations, and statutes in some jurisdictions as the standard of professional competence in forensic psychology. The Diploma awarded by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) is the only post-doctoral specialty certification recognized in the American Psychological Association (APA) Directory.
Dr. Hughes has been qualified as an expert witness by courts in the States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Virginia, and in the United States District Courts for the Southern, Eastern, and Northern Districts of New York.
Parties to civil or criminal cases, please arrange for your attorney to contact Dr. Hughes, as she cannot deal directly with any party to a case.
Services
Forensic Psychological Evaluation, including Psychological Testing
Expert Witness Testimony
Written Reports
Attorney Consultation
Comprehensive Record Review
Specializations
Interpersonal Violence
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Related Traumatic Sequelae
Complex Trauma and Complex PTSD
Intimate Partner Violence (Domestic Violence)
Coercive Control
Rape and Sexual Assault
Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual/Physical/Psychological Abuse
Delay in Reporting or Recantation of Abuse or Trauma
Reasons for Remaining in Abusive Relationship
Gender-Based Harassment in the Workplace
Wrongful Conviction
Assessment of Malingering or Falsification of Psychological Symptomatology
Criminal Defense & Prosecution
Homicide
Assault
Self-Defense
Psychological State of Mind at the time of an Offense
Criminal Responsibility
Extreme Emotional Disturbance
Coercion and Duress
Diminished Capacity
Sentencing Mitigation
Clemency
Habeas Corpus
Post-Conviction Relief
Civil Litigation
Assessment of Emotional and Psychological Damages
Sexual Harassment and Hostile Work Environment
Campus Sexual Assault and Title IX
Clergy Abuse and Boy Scout Abuse
Sexual Misconduct by Professionals
Tort Litigation
Wrongful Conviction and Imprisonment