The Swearing-In Ceremony
The ceremony, led by the Cook County State’s Attorney, Alex Martinez, showcased Bella placing her paw on a law book as part of the swearing-in process, making it a historic event for the office. Martinez expressed her commitment to establishing a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach within the legal framework, emphasizing the importance of compassion in ensuring justice for all involved.
“Having a more empathetic understanding of victims’ experiences is crucial to making the system fair,” Martinez tweeted. Bella has been specifically trained to help ease the anxiety and discomfort that many young victims experience while navigating court proceedings. “She’ll provide an invaluable sense of calm during interviews and testimony sessions,” Martinez added in a discussion with ABC 7 Chicago.
Training and Impact
Bella received her training from a specialized organization in St. Louis, Missouri, known as Duo Dogs Inc., which focuses on developing assistance dogs. Martinez shared her personal insight into the need for such support, reflecting on her own experiences and stating, “I want to help reduce the anxiety others feel in a setting that can be intimidating and unwelcoming.”
Stephanie Coehlo, Bella’s primary handler and a victim-witness specialist, noted that the therapy dog can create a unique bond with victims that may take humans longer to establish. Bella will accompany children during interviews and may even sit beside them on the witness stand, providing a source of comfort in a challenging environment.
Significance of the Initiative
The State Attorney’s Office highlighted the significance of understanding the multifaceted impact of trauma on individuals, tweeting, “We are grateful to have Bella as a resource to provide solace to victims throughout this difficult journey.” With expectations to assist in approximately 200 cases annually, Bella’s role is seen as a pioneering effort that other State Attorney offices might replicate.
Further Resources
For more information on how therapy animals can assist during sensitive situations, check out this blog post here. If you’re interested in home insemination options, visit Make a Mom for expert resources, or refer to NICHD for insights into pregnancy.
Conclusion
In summary, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has welcomed Bella, a therapy dog, to help alleviate the stress experienced by child victims of sexual assault as they navigate the court system. This initiative underscores a commitment to creating a more compassionate legal environment.