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| Science & Technology |
| Therapy dog becomes first in TN to accompany child sex abuse victim in trial |
| 2016-07-13 |
| COOKEVILLE, TN (WSMV) - It takes a strong person to tackle life’s challenges head on, and sometimes even the strongest need help from a friend. One hero is an unlikely friend to dozens of children faced with one of life’s most difficult situations. In a small office on Highway 70 in Cookeville, a team of therapists have been working with child sex abuse victims for 13 years. This is often the first place a child will come after the abuse is reported. The child will undergo a medical examination, a forensic interview and therapy. "We’re asking children to talk about a sexual experience that’s way beyond their years," said Jennifer Wilkerson. "It’s very uncomfortable." Wilkerson is the founder and executive director of the Upper Cumberland Child Advocacy Center. "We do a lot to provide support for victims emotionally and physically, but we saw some kids just needed something a little extra," said Wilkerson. She had heard of therapists using dogs to comfort victims and decided to apply for one. After a lengthy application and training process, she added the newest member to her team, Murch. "Feeling like you have someone there for you, even if it is an animal, it makes it so much easier," said a victim, who we are not identifying. The victim has been working with Murch for two years. "Murch really has the ability to work with kids and provide comfort to them and help them find their words when they’re not able to find themselves," said Wilkerson. "With my sessions, I get really scared and nervous and I have really bad anxiety, so just petting him, him being next to me, it comforts me and it calms me down," said a victim. |
| Posted by:Besoeker |
| #2 Therapy dog for sexual predator. One that removes crotch of predator entire. |
| Posted by: Elmuth Bluetooth6149 2016-07-13 13:15 |
| #1 Therapy dogs, for when predators come to visit. |
| Posted by: Skidmark 2016-07-13 12:41 |