A.G.'s office welcomes first victim advocate dog to support crime victims

LANSING, Mich. -- Leader Dogs for the Blind says its dogs are bred, raised and trained to guide people to live a life of confidence and independence.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced that her department's first victim advocate dog began training there this week. Baylee, who is specially trained to support crime victims by providing comfort during court proceedings and meetings with prosecutors and victim advocates.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Baylee to the Department,” Nessel said in a news release. “With every wag of her tail and smile, she’ll help bring comfort and courage to crime victims. Therapeutic companions like Baylee can ground and calm crime victims and abuse survivors as they navigate the often daunting, potentially retraumatizing, and emotionally difficult landscape for those already victimized. I know her presence will truly make an impact for those who need it most, and we couldn’t be more honored to have her by our side.”  

Here are more details from the A.G.'s office from its news release:

 Baylee is a career change dog who received her service training through the Guide Dog Training Program at Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester, MI and will work alongside the Department’s Victim Rights Division.  

To further support victims, the Attorney General recently launched a Crime Victim Rights webpage to educate crime victims about their rights and guide them through the legal process after a crime is reported. The webpage includes:  

• A list of victims’ rights;
• Statewide victim support services and resources within the Department of Attorney General;
• Information on crime victim compensation;
• Guidance on victim advocate services; and
• An overview of the legal process for felony and misdemeanor cases.

 

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