Witness Walkthrough - Support for witnesses

Below are some frequently asked questions about support for witnesses and help with giving evidence. For more support organisations that can help visit our 'Help & Support' page.
 
  • What support can the Witness Service offer?
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    There is a Witness Service in every magistrates’ court and Crown Court in England and Wales. They offer:

    • someone to talk to in confidence
    • a visit to the court and where possible a look round a court room before you are called as a witness
    • information on court procedures
    • a quiet place to wait before and during the hearing
    • someone to accompany you into the court room when giving evidence
    • practical help, for example, with the completing expense forms
    • to put you in touch with people who can answer specific questions about the case (the Witness Service cannot discuss evidence or offer legal advice)
    • a chance to talk over the case when it has ended and to get more help or information.

    Because it is run by the charity Victim Support, this service is free and independent of the police or courts. The service is available to both prosecution and defence witnesses.

    If you would like to speak to a Witness Service volunteer at any point before the trial, or if you would like to visit the court before the trial, please call the Witness Service at the court where the case is going to be heard. You can find their local number in the phonebook, by visiting Victim Support's web-site www.victimsupport.org or by calling the Victim Support line on 0845 30 30 900. Even if you do not want any help before the day of the trial you can use the Witness Service on the day you come to court.

  • Is there anybody else I can contact if I have concerns?
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    Yes. If you are going to the Crown Court, you can contact the Court’s Witness Liaison Officer (WLO) who will be able to assist with your enquiry. For example, WLO’s may assist in arranging a pre-trial visit to court.

  • What are the special measures?
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    The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 provides the legislative framework for the range of special measures. The special measures are:

    Screens around the witness box. A screen is placed around the witness box to prevent the witness from seeing the defendant.
    Evidence via live link. The Witness can sit in a room outside the courtroom and give their evidence via a live television link to the courtroom. The witness will be able to see everything that goes on in the courtroom and those in the courtroom can see the witness via the link.
    Video recorded evidence in chief. The witness’ main oral evidence is videotaped and played to the court.
    Removal of wigs and gowns. The judge and lawyers in the Crown Court do not wear gowns and wigs.
    Evidence given in private. This is when the public gallery is cleared.
    Use of communication aids. For example an alphabet board.
    Examination through an intermediary. This is currently being piloted.
    Video-recorded cross-examination. This is currently being piloted.
    Special measures are gradually being introduced in criminal courts in England and Wales. Most of the measures are available in the Crown Court for both vulnerable and intimidated witnesses (where applicable). The exceptions being video recorded evidence in chief, which is only available for vulnerable witnesses and the two measures that are being piloted.

    Evidence via live TV link and video recorded evidence in chief, for child witnesses in cases involving sexual offences or violence, including threats, are available in magistrates’ courts.

  • Who can use these special measures?
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    Special measures are available to help vulnerable and intimidated witnesses. The court may offer you extra support as a vulnerable witness if you are under 17, or it might be difficult for you to give evidence because you have a mental disorder, a learning difficulty, or a physical disability.

    The court may offer you help as an intimidated witness if the quality of your evidence is likely to suffer because you are scared or distressed.

  • What if someone tries to intimidate (frighten) me?
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    If someone tries to frighten you or you feel intimidated in court, tell the person who asked you to come to court, or the usher or the police.

    Witness Service staff or volunteers will also be available to speak to. They may also be able to show you to a separate waiting room.

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