The Tasmanian Government has partnered with Guide Dogs Tasmania to provide Justice Facility Dogs to support vulnerable witnesses giving evidence in court for serious offences such as sexual abuse, family violence and homicide related matters.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Guy Barnett, said that participating in the criminal justice system is inherently stressful and the presence of a relaxed and compassionate dog can help to relieve distress and anxiety.
"The Justice Facility Dogs are professionally trained dogs that work within our justice system," the Attorney-General said.
"They provide comfort and emotional support to people giving evidence or attending court.
"Guide Dogs Tasmania do an incredible job raising and training dogs for Tasmanians with low or no vision, autism, other disabilities and illness and in facilities like our courts. The Justice Facility Dogs have been chosen for their gentle temperament and are raised on the Guide Dogs Tasmania extensive socialisation program.
"While we continue to implement our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future – we are being innovative in the ways that we can better support people interacting with Tasmania's justice system."
Quotes attributable to Kim Ryan, Business Manager of Guide Dogs Tasmania:
"Our Facility Dogs are trained to pick up on emotional changes – reacting by providing gentle pressure, a head on their lap, or a paw to hold in times of need," said Kim Ryan, Business Manager of Guide Dogs Tasmania.
"We have had witnesses' comment that they just could not have survived the day without the Facility Dog by their side, the support that the dog provided was just amazing.
"We are so thankful for this partnership with the Department of Justice, and to be able to support in such a wonderful way through the amazing impact our dogs have on people.
"There is a wealth of international research supporting the benefits of Assistance Dogs across a variety of settings which includes reducing anxiety and stress, improving speech and memory function and increased wellbeing."
