Dr. Long & Associates present at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
Dr. Lisa Long, PsyD, owner and lead forensic psychologist at Dr. Long & Associates, and our very own Dr. Marlena M. Ryba, PhD, a distinguished forensic psychologist and esteemed researcher, recently presented their research at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) 2025 conference. This event, which took place at the Baltimore Convention Center from February 17 to 22, 2025, brought together leading professionals from forensic science, psychiatry, behavioral sciences, and forensic psychology to discuss the latest research and advancements in legal psychological evaluations.
Their presentation, "Examining the Influence of Demographic Factors on Abuse Dynamics: Enhancing the Power Control Wheel Framework for Diverse Populations in VAWA Evaluations," offered an in-depth analysis of the multifaceted relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV), forensic evaluations, and the sociocultural variables that influence abuse dynamics. This research provides critical insights for family law attorneys, immigration law professionals, and forensic psychologists handling Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) cases, ensuring more comprehensive and equitable evaluations for survivors seeking legal protection.
The Role of Demographic Factors in IPV and Forensic Evaluations
Dr. Long and Dr. Ryba's findings emphasize the necessity of incorporating demographic factors such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, economic background, and cultural norms into forensic psychological assessments. By understanding these elements, forensic psychologists can enhance the accuracy of their evaluations, ensuring that cultural biases do not inadvertently impact the assessment of abuse survivors.
For example:
Age and Generational Impact: Older survivors may experience IPV differently than younger survivors due to generational attitudes toward abuse and dependency on financial resources.
Gender Considerations: While IPV research traditionally focuses on female survivors, there is an increasing need to assess male and non-binary survivors who may face unique barriers in seeking legal protection.
Race/Ethnicity and Cultural Norms: Cultural beliefs about gender roles, familial structures, and authority dynamics significantly influence how IPV is perceived and reported in different communities.
By refining the Power and Control Wheel Framework, an established tool used in understanding IPV, Dr. Long, and Dr. Ryba propose adaptations that make it more inclusive and representative of diverse populations. This allows forensic psychologists to produce evaluations that are not only legally robust but also culturally sensitive and trauma-informed.
Implications for Family Law and Immigration Evaluations
Forensic psychological evaluations play a crucial role in legal proceedings, particularly in family law cases, domestic violence disputes, and immigration petitions under VAWA. Dr. Long & Associates' research underscores the importance of using nuanced, individualized approaches when conducting these evaluations. Key applications include:
Family Court Proceedings: Judges and attorneys rely on forensic assessments to determine custody arrangements, protective orders, and credibility of abuse allegations.
VAWA Immigration Petitions: Survivors of IPV seeking protection under VAWA require psychological evaluations that substantiate the impact of abuse on their well-being, which is critical for legal immigration relief.
Domestic Violence Cases: Legal professionals benefit from forensic evaluations that validate a survivor’s psychological state, supporting their claims in court while minimizing potential biases.
Dr. Long & Associates: Committed to Excellence in Forensic Psychology
At Dr. Long & Associates, our dedicated team of forensic psychologists specializes in delivering high-quality forensic, clinical, and immigration evaluations tailored to meet the demands of the legal system. Our work aligns with the latest research to ensure that attorneys, courts, and clients receive scientifically sound, legally defensible, and culturally informed assessments.
The research presented by Dr. Long and Dr. Ryba is a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing forensic psychology practices and improving the legal support system for IPV survivors. By integrating demographic considerations into forensic evaluations, we aim to enhance the effectiveness of legal advocacy and protection for vulnerable populations.
If you are an attorney seeking expert forensic psychological evaluations for family law cases, domestic violence matters, or VAWA immigration petitions, contact Dr. Long & Associates today. Our team is ready to provide the expert analysis and professional support your case requires.