00:00On Saturdays at the Krugersdorp Magistrates Court, pets are welcome.
00:05These dogs even dress up in costumes inspired by the court.
00:09There is Diva, the prosecutor, wearing a black and gold robe.
00:14Mia, the magistrate, in red.
00:17Cody, the Labrador, wears a police uniform.
00:20And Linka, in a little pink dress, is the witness.
00:23So Linka plays various roles, and depending on what role she wears
00:28will determine what outfit she wears for the day.
00:31These dogs attend pre-trial court sessions with children.
00:35In South Africa, nearly 30,000 cases of child abuse are reported each year.
00:40For children, the judicial environment can be extremely intimidating.
00:45These role-play exercises help them better understand how a court works.
00:50After the session, children can spend time with the dogs.
00:53Dr. Omar has been working with the South African justice system since 2015.
00:59By stroking the dog, it enhances the serotonin, and the happy hormones.
01:06Endorphins are released, and they're more likely to feel confident in testifying.
01:12And that's something that we've observed, that children who go through this opportunity of engagement
01:18with therapy dogs certainly are more competent in their testimonies.
01:26Children leave the sessions much more relaxed than when they arrive.
01:30I have a court case on the 30th of March, and I don't know what to expect,
01:35but after today I think I'm ready.
01:38For now, dogs are not allowed to accompany children on the day of the trial.
01:42But those behind the program hope that one day it will be possible,
01:46as is already the case in Canada and Australia.
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