Seven out of ten sex crimes reported in the U.S involve children, and the state of Alaska holds the dubious distinction of leading the nation in child sex abuse statistics.With this in mind, Jackson the therapy dog has been hired to help Alaska’s juvenile sex crime victims.
The part lab, part golden retriever shows compassion to those emotionally wounded by sexual predators as part of his new job. His special brand of healing makes it easier for children feel comfortable, so they can get past the pain in order provide testimony against those who have wronged them.
Advocates from Standing Together Against Rape (STAR) say the healing process often takes years. More than 90 percent of children who are sexually abused know their abusers, which makes coming forward a terrifying prospect. They say it’s common for young victims to suffer in silence for years, and their testimony is a necessary first step in the healing process.
That’s where Jackson comes in, helping in ways humans cannot.
