Michigan's Department of Attorney General has introduced its first victim advocate dog, Baylee, who joined the department this week. Baylee is specially trained to support crime victims by providing comfort during court proceedings and meetings with prosecutors and advocates.
"We are thrilled to welcome Baylee to the Department," expressed Attorney General Dana Nessel. "With every wag of her tail and smile, she’ll help bring comfort and courage to crime victims. Therapeutic companions like Baylee can ground and calm crime victims and abuse survivors as they navigate the often daunting, potentially retraumatizing, and emotionally difficult landscape for those already victimized. I know her presence will truly make an impact for those who need it most, and we couldn’t be more honored to have her by our side."
Baylee is a career change dog trained through the Guide Dog Training Program at Leader Dogs for the Blind located in Rochester, Michigan. She will work with the department's Victim Rights Division.
In addition, the Attorney General's office has launched a Crime Victim Rights webpage aimed at educating victims about their rights and navigating the legal process after reporting a crime. The webpage offers a comprehensive list of victims’ rights, information on statewide support services, crime victim compensation, guidance on victim advocate services, and an overview of legal processes in both felony and misdemeanor cases.