Jury members and even judges have a picture of how victims are supposed to react during trauma. You can’t do anything about those preconceived notions. You can, however, allow the victim to explain their reactions and behaviors in a way that is relatable to the jury.
Sometimes a victim’s reactions and behaviors not only make sense but bolster their report, and you can bring forward this evidence as it supports your case. You can also offer alternative explanations for a victim’s behavior when you anticipate that the defense is going to call the victim a liar.
