If there is a trial...
If there is a trial...
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The trial may be held quite some time after you gave your statement as cases take time to prepare. You will be sent:
- a letter telling you when and where to go
- an explanatory leaflet, " Witness in court", from the Home Office.
Where will the trial be held?
- If you're in Standard or Medium danger, the trial will be held at a Specialist Domestic Violence Court.
- If you're in High danger, the trial will be held at the Crown Court.
Who will be at the trial?
- You - you can leave after you've given evidence; your Witness Care Officer can call you to let you know the verdict
- The Court IDVA
- The abuser
- A Witness Service volunteer - can make sure you enter court from a different entrance to the abuser
When you give your evidence
- You will be able to read your statement first to refresh your memory, but you can't have it with you when you give evidence.
- Your lawyer and the abuser's lawyer will ask you questions about your evidence.
If you feel anxious about giving your evidence, special support may be available to help you.
For more details about the process, see the Directgov video - Going to Court: A step by step guide to being a witness