Kiki, the Child and Youth Witness Service (CYWS) Court Dog
Kiki is a fully trained and accredited support dog. She can help you to feel calm:
- when you view your Video and Audio Recording of Evidence (the recording you did with police) or read your witness statement before giving evidence
- while you give evidence
- at legal conferences (meetings with lawyers and the police)
- during breaks in court hearings.
She may also provide support at intermediary assessments and to victims and witnesses who choose to write a Victim Impact Statement.
Kiki’s support can reduce stress while giving evidence.
“As soon as I met Kiki, all of my nerves went away and I felt confident to give my evidence”
What does Kiki do?
Kiki will usually lie next to you and may rest her head gently on your foot, helping you to feel calm, grounded, and safe.
Kiki usually supports children and young people who are giving evidence from a remote witness room at Garragarrak where the CYWS is located.
She loves accepting pats and playing games during breaks. She is actually pretty good at bowling but does occasionally knock the pins over with her nose when she thinks nobody is watching.
Kiki is in high demand so if you are interested in her support, please talk to your CYWS practitioner.
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