(12:02) SATA CRUZ- The Santa Cruz DA’s office has been awarded a grant for its Victim Witness Assistance Program. The grant, awarded by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services will be used to employ two fulltime Victim Advocates. The advocates serve crime victims who are primarily Spanish speakers. The funds will also for the addition of a “comfort dog” to the Victim Witness team. The dog will be specially trained to provide emotional support to victims of crime throughout the criminal justice process. Studies have shown that comfort dogs reduce stress on victims during interviews, testimony, and the court process in general.
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