Interesting. In the "old days" we guarded our notes like a journalist guards their sources. If survivors couldn't count on complete confidentiality, they certainly would not want to talk to us for fear that the abuser would hear what was said. I'd have gone to jail before ANY attorney would have me disclosing this type of sensitive info.
So maybe ALV will end up being a hostile witness to the DT after all. Sad for her that she is credentialed. When I've testified as an "expert" it was more along a forensic line regarding the cycles and syndromes.
In fact, now that I think about it, I doubt very much there is a diagnosis code for Battered Women's Syndrome (just having some fun--we all KNOW there isn't). Without those degree initials, ALV's testimony specific to Jody would just be hearsay - she wasn't a witness to anything Travis did or didn't do. Still, if she was being treated as a professional, shouldn't her work product be protected as confidential?
Like I've always suspected, when the appeal briefs get written this whole defense strategy will make for fascinating reading. Weigh in on this all you psychs and attorneys, please.