WKRN, Nashville News, Nashville Weather and Sports
If you’re a victim of child abuse in East Central Tennessee, your life just got a little better. In recognition of the fact that testifying in a court of law is one of the most traumatic ways to retell a story of abuse, the Cumberland County Courthouse has hired Murch, a Labrador / Golden Retriever mix trained to sit under the witness stand and comfort young victims.
“It’s a really difficult process for the kids that come here. They have suffered some severe trauma,” explained Jennifer Wilkerson, the executive director of the Upper Cumberland Child Advocacy Center in Cookeville.
After two years of training, Murch works with kids not only in the courtroom, but also in the forensic interview rooms, where they are asked to share their stories with investigators and prosecutors.
Murch will live with Wilkerson in his off hours, and will be available to surrounding counties for use with their victims, as well.
What a great program!
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!