Breaking News: Comfort on Four Paws – Support Dogs to Aid Child Victims of Abuse in France
Dijon, France – In a groundbreaking initiative poised to reshape how young victims of trauma are supported, the Aninomade association is launching a program to provide specially trained dogs to accompany children during crucial interviews related to harassment and domestic violence. This urgent development addresses a critical gap in support services for approximately 700,000 children affected by bullying and 300,000 impacted by domestic violence annually in France.
The Healing Power of Animals: Aninomade’s Pioneering Work
For over a decade, Aninomade, based in Dijon, has been quietly revolutionizing support services by utilizing the innate calming presence of animals. Founder and Director Claire Mongeot observed that children often find it easier to open up to animals, a realization stemming from their regular work with diverse populations – from young children and the elderly to individuals with disabilities and those experiencing social exclusion. The association currently cares for 142 animals, ranging from mice to alpacas, with a dedicated team of five employees and 82 volunteers.
“By working regularly with children, we realized that they spoke more easily with animals,” explains Mongeot. This observation sparked the idea for a dedicated support dog program, recognizing the unique need for a non-judgmental, comforting presence during potentially retraumatizing experiences.
A Collaborative Effort: From Concept to Reality
This isn’t a solo endeavor. For the past five years, Aninomade has been meticulously collaborating with key stakeholders – including the public prosecutor, the gendarmerie (French military police), the University Hospital, France Victime 21, and Handi’Chiens (a renowned assistance dog organization) – to bring this vision to life. The plan is to have a trained dog present with the child before, during, and after interviews with authorities or support organizations.
The dog’s role isn’t to interrogate or investigate, but to provide a consistent source of comfort and reduce stress. “Its role will be to soothe the child, to give him confidence to reduce his stress and thus reduce the unpleasant hearing time,” Mongeot emphasizes. The child is encouraged to confide in the dog, whispering their story to a gentle, accepting ear.
Training and Implementation: A Timeline for Change
Handi’Chiens will provide the specialized training, tailoring the dog’s skills to the specific needs of the project and its environment at Aninomade. The first dog, an 18-month-old canine, is slated to begin interventions in the first quarter of 2026. Aninomade’s team will also undergo training with France Victime from January to March 2025, ensuring they are equipped to provide comprehensive support alongside the dog.
Initially, the program will focus on Dijon, where 378 hearings involving minors took place in 2024. Aninomade aims to expand its reach throughout the Côte-d’Or region and, ultimately, across France.
The Financial Reality: A Call for Support
While enthusiasm for the project is high, funding remains a significant hurdle. Aninomade currently receives no public funding and relies entirely on private donations. The acquisition of a single support dog costs €17,900, with annual expenses – including food, accommodation, veterinary care, and associated human and travel costs – reaching €55,000. The association plans to meticulously measure the program’s impact to demonstrate its effectiveness and attract further funding.
This initiative isn’t just about providing comfort; it’s about empowering vulnerable children to find their voice and begin the healing process. It’s a testament to the profound connection between humans and animals, and a bold step towards a more compassionate and supportive system for young victims of trauma. To learn more about Aninomade and how you can contribute to this vital program, visit their website and consider becoming a patron. Your support can help bring comfort and hope to children in need.
For Aletheia Press, Nadège Hubert
