EDMONTON – Testifying in court can be tough at the best of times, but it can be even tougher for children who are victims of sexual abuse. But now, they’re getting a little help from a furry friend.
For the first time, a courthouse intervention dog accompanied a young girl into an Edmonton courtroom this week and sat with her while she testified.
“This is the first time we’ve been able to bring someone or something into the court with them to provide that kind of comfort. Support people have been available for a long time but arguably, a dog is even a more neutral person or party in the courtroom which is why we see a huge benefit to having a dog,” said Allison Damato, the assistant chief crown prosecutor in charge of the Family Protection Unit in Edmonton.
Wren, a Labrador Retriever, is one of two victim intervention dogs in Edmonton. Wren and Fossey are part of the Zebra Child Protection Centre’s Very Important Paws (VIP) initiative. The pups are trained to provide comfort for children who have experienced sexual abuse.
“The justice system is overwhelming for kids. Our goal is to make sure that we minimize any chance of the child being re-victimized by the trauma of telling their story in court,” said Bob Hassel, CEO of the Zebra Child Protection Centre. “These dogs are essential partners in providing every support we can to children who’ve been assaulted.”
“We can support a child, prepare them all we want outside of the courtroom; but once they’re in the courtroom it’s a very cold, unfriendly environment and a not very welcoming environment,” said Damato.
It’s up to the judge to decide if they will allow a dog in the courtroom. The defence lawyer also has to agree to it.
While the intervention dogs won’t be used in every case, Damato believes the support they provide to children is invaluable.
“If you can reduce the stress level of the child or let them look at something that they perceive to be more friendly you’re going to get a better type of disclosure in the courtroom and a better testimony from the child,” she explained.
Late last year, Calgary became the first city in Canada to allow an intervention dog inside a courtroom.
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