Victim Services Intervention Dog
The one year anniversary of Manitoba’s first and only Accredited Intervention Dog is fast approaching. Since starting work with Manitoba Justice Victim Services on July 11, 2016 Milan has participated in over 100 meetings with child victims. She has been in both QB and Provincial Court acting in a supportive capacity alongside children as they testify. Our hope is that she has a long career ahead supporting Manitoba’s most vulnerable victims as they navigate their way through the criminal court system.
Milan was trained by Pacific Assistance Dog Society (PADS) for two years. Click here to learn more about Milan.
Victim Services staff help assist victims of crime as their matters move through the criminal justice system. Milan is a key member of our team and her calm and loving presence helps victims of crime through very difficult times.
The benefits of intervention through assistance canines have been scientifically proven and include:
- reducing the blood pressure of clients
- reducing stress and anxiety
- reducing aggression
- helping to normalize traumatic situations
- acting as an effective ice breaker
- elevating levels of serotonin and dopamine hormones in the body, which calm and relax individuals
- acting as a tool for individuals who struggle to communicate, particularly children or persons with disabilities
- providing a source for cathartic touch. (When it is not appropriate for humans to provide healing touch to clients, dogs can provide the physical comfort clients need).
- boosting staff morale
August 2016
