(SEVIERVILLE, Tenn.) SMOKIES.LIVE – A new law will allow for more comfort when a victim or witness takes the stand to tell their story in the courtroom.
A new law in Tennessee now allows facility dogs to be used to help victims and witnesses testify in courtrooms throughout the state with a judge’s approval.
“Last year, Safe Harbor served 882 children. All services are provided at no cost to a child or their safe caregiver,” said Maggie McNally Kimball with Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center.
Up until now, they have only been utilized in a handful of judicial districts during courtroom testimony, and also during forensic interviews.
These certified and highly trained dogs often bring comfort to vulnerable witnesses, like children, giving them an added sense of security when asked to discuss sensitive topics in often highly stressful situations, such as jury trials.
“Our facility dog, Orion, provides critical support during some extremely scary and difficult times for children who have experienced abuse. He sits with children at Safe Harbor during the forensic interview, where a child shares the details of the abuse with one of our trained staff. If the case goes to court, Orion can also be there to sit with the child in the witness stand as they testify in criminal proceedings. These proceedings can be terrifying for a child as they face the very person that hurt them. Orion just knows what a child needs from him, and he provides that. Whether it’s calm presence, or a gentle nudge, or laying his head on a child’s lap. He’s our only four-legged staff and we adore him! He’s also received an honorary badge from Gatlinburg PD!” – said Maggie McNally Kimball with Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center
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