- Comfort dogs across Australia are helping victims of violent crimes
- Coop, a-three-year-old support dog, sits with sexual assault victims in court
- Comfort dogs are trained to recognise signs of distress or anxiety
Coop, a support dog for the state of Victoria, keeps victims company in the courtroom as they recount the horrific details of their attack.
The three-year-old Labrador has been trained since she was eight weeks old and works with agencies that support victims of family violence and sexual assault.
Although she’s not allowed in the courtroom, Coop sits in separate room with victims as they give evidence via video link.
Coop, a-three-year-old support dog (black Labrador), sits with sexual assault victims as they recount the horrific details of their attack
Comfort dogs are trained to recognise signs of distress or anxiety.
Coop will often lay or sit at the witness’ feet or put her head in their lap.
‘She’s enabling a person to tell their story in a less stressful, less anxious environment,’ John Cain, head of Victoria’s Public Prosecutions legal practice told The Age.
‘Anything that helps a witness tell their story more clearly and quickly has got to be good for the system’.
Coop is Victoria’s only court support dog, but a second is being trained.
Comfort dogs across Australia are helping victims of violent crimes by keeping them company in the courtroom (stock image)