The woman, a victim of an assault, sat in the courtroom’s witness chair and started to talk. As she told a judge what happened and how it affected her – giving what’s called a victim impact statement – the woman started to cry.
Quietly, the tawny-colored dog next to her placed its head on the woman’s lap. Honor is a trained assistance dog, and it seems like she can sense when someone needs her help.
That is this dog’s job, to help people get through a criminal justice process that can be incredibly stressful at times. “She should just be a silent force,” said Deputy District Attorney Merrill Hoult, Honor’s handler.
Honor has been helping witnesses and victims at the courthouse for about a month. The highly trained dog has been placed with the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office to assist people in court, along with offering emotional support when victims are questioned about suspected sexual abuse or domestic violence. To continue reading this story by http://www.modbee.com/news/article37234971.html Jane Stevens
I can see this as a great program to consider for our citizens in Michigan. This could benefit many. What do you think? |
Michigan ACEs Action (MI)
Healthy and resilient kids, families, and communities are the foundation for a flourishing, vibrant region. We are dedicated to creating a trauma-informed Michigan and working together across sectors to share our efforts in building resilience and reducing toxic stress for Michigan children and families.
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