Victims of sexual and domestic violence will soon be able to count on the support of support dogs in specialized courts in Quebec, throughout the legal process.
This pilot project will be launched in the courthouses of Québec, Beauharnois, Bedford, Drummond and Saint-Maurice, where the specialized court has already been set up.
In particular, victims will be able to take advantage of this comforting and reassuring presence when they go to court, for example, during their testimony before the Court.
“It is essential that victims, when they make the courageous choice to denounce and file a complaint, can feel supported, listened to, accompanied and above all safe throughout their journey through the justice system,” said declared the Minister of Justice, Simon Jolin-Barrette.
As for the Mira Foundation, a partner of this association, it has been able to observe the benefits of companion dogs on its customers during its 40 years of existence.
“Having implemented pilot projects in various police environments and specialized centers in Quebec in recent years, we know that dogs have a positive impact on victims,” said the general manager of the foundation, Nicolas St- Rock.
“The Mira Foundation is proud to be able to take concrete action on the ground to help them,” he added.