Help & Support
A number of organisations offer help and support to witnesses. For more information see the Witness Links page. If you have been called to court the Witness Service can help guide you through the process.
The Witness Service
Many witnesses feel worried about going to court, regardless of whether or not they were the victim of the crime. Victim Support runs the Witness Service in every criminal court in England and Wales to give information and support to witnesses and victims, and their families and friends when they go to court.
Witness Service helps:
- witnesses who are called to give evidence, including defence witnesses
- victims of crime and their families and friends attending court for any reason
- children as well as adults.
Witness Service staff and volunteers can offer:
- someone to talk to in confidence
- a chance to see the court beforehand and learn about court procedures
- a quiet place to wait
- someone to go with you into the court room when giving evidence
- practical help, for example with expense forms
- access to people who can answer specific questions about the case (the Witness Service cannot discuss evidence or offer legal advice)
- a chance to talk about the case when it has ended and to get more help or information.
The Witness Service is free and independent of the police or courts. You can contact your local Witness Service directly.
Contact details are listed in the telephone directory under the court name and can be found at Victim Support's website.