Crime and Courts

Alleged victim's counselor testifies at rape trial of suspended UM quarterback

Posted: Feb 21, 2013 12:43 PM by MTN News

MISSOULA - The alleged victim's counselor who diagnosed the woman with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder testified Thursday morning in the Jordan Johnson rape trial about her counseling sessions with the accuser.

University of Montana Student Assault Resource Center Interim Director Drew Colling started her testimony late Wednesday evening.

She said the alleged victim isolated herself, controlled her emotions, she cried in private and had suicidal thoughts

Colling said that if the woman had fun with her friends it would not surprise her because even though she was struggling, she could still try to live a normal life.

Johnson's defense attorney questioned Colling, suggesting that she doesn't have enough experience to diagnose the alleged victim with PTSD, but Colling said she consulted with other professionals before making the diagnosis.

Defense attorneys also argued that even though she was going through all of this stress, the alleged victim still did well in school, but Colling said the woman used school as a coping mechanism.

The defense also suggested even though the counselor testified the woman isolated herself, she still went out with friends on Halloween.