October 7, 2016
Manitoba Introduces Milan, an Assistance Dog to Support Victims of Crime
Manitoba has welcomed a new assistance dog to provide comfort and help reduce stress for victims of crime throughout the court process, Justice Minister Heather Stefanson announced today.
“The newest member of our team will help support victims when they need it most, when they’re feeling anxious or scared and need a comforting presence,” said Stefanson. “We are incredibly proud to welcome Milan to Manitoba, and know she will be a trusted friend for people who are dealing with extremely difficult and emotionally challenging situations while their matters proceed through court.”
Milan, a three-year-old black Labrador retriever, has received specialized training from the Pacific Assistance Dog Society (PADS) and knows more than 30 commands. She offers support to victims during meetings with Crown attorneys and visits the Victim/Witness Assistance office at the Manitoba Law Courts to support people attending court. She also assists children at the child-friendly waiting room at court and at Snowflake Place for Children and Youth.
“We’re very proud of Milan and her handler because they make an exceptional team and have worked very hard to bring this program to Manitoba,” said Laura Watamanuk, executive director, PADS. “Milan has prepared for over two years of her life for this role and has a very special ability to meet people on their worst day and then support their road to healing. We look forward to following the team’s progress in Manitoba.”
Assistance dogs like Milan provide a calm and loving presence for victims, who may be traumatized or dealing with difficult issues. Milan offers support through cathartic touch. She also reduces tension and anxiety by offering children an outlet to play during difficult meetings, letting kids cover her with stuffed animals and inviting hugs. The benefits to the client include:
- reducing blood pressure;
- lowering stress, anxiety and aggression;
- acting as an effective icebreaker to begin difficult conversations;
- relaxing witnesses by elevating levels of serotonin and dopamine;
- acting as a tool for children who may struggle to communicate; and
- providing comforting touch, especially in situations where human contact might be unwelcome.
Funding for Milan’s training and other expenses was provided through the province’s Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund in 2015. Annual costs, including food, equipment, supplies and pet insurance, are approximately $2,500. She lives with her primary handler when not providing compassionate support to victims. Two provincial staff have received specialized training from PADS to work with Milan, the minister said.
British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario also use victim service dogs to support children and other vulnerable people through the court process.
PADS is an accredited, non-profit organization that breeds, raises and trains certified assistance dogs for people living with disabilities and community-based care providers. For more information, visit www.pads.ca.
For more information about programs and services for victims of crime in Manitoba or to learn more about Milan, visit www.gov.mb.ca/justice/victims/services.
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