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Justice uses more and more dogs to help the victims to speak and to tell the aggressions which they could live. Sometimes, the mere presence of the animal is enough to calm, reassure and free speech.
Orko, a young Golden Retriever trots through the corridors of a hospital. Its role is decisive. In the company of the gendarmes and caregivers, he will help young victims to tell their painful stories, like Chloé, 8 years old. In a few minutes, the alchemy operates between the victim and the animal. Appeased, the little girl will be able to tell the alleged sexual assaults she suffered in the family circle. To hear him, the gendarme comes in civilian clothes so as not to impress him.
A dozen assistance dogs in France
Behind a two-way mirror, doctors, gendarmes and psychologists follow the hearing. For the parents, who remained outside the room at the time of the interview, the dog is a reassuring presence. “She was very anxious about having to talk to strangers. When we explained to her that a dog would be present during the appointment, she was immediately reassured“, explains her mother. The dog allowed her to talk, to comfort her, she who had never “spoken alone“.”Before, the child came home and faced the policeman, someone who is a little scary sometimes. Entering this room with an animal who will not judge him and who will be there to accompany him, it changes the relationship to power“, supports Warrant Officer Amandine, policeman in the research brigade. France has a dozen legal assistance dogs.