Support for witnesses
Being the witness of a crime can be a distressing experience in itself, and many people feel worried about the experience of going to court as a witness. But if a defendant pleads not guilty and a trial take place, attendance of victims and witnesses at court is vital if cases are to succeed.
Sussex Police has Witness Care Officers who are there to offer support and make the process of going to court as simple as possible. In Sussex, there are approximately 60 Witness Care Officers based in teams at Brighton, Chichester and Eastbourne.
How Witness Care Officers provide support
As cases proceed through the Criminal Justice System, Witness Care Officers contact victims and witnesses to:
- explain the court process
- update them with new court dates
- discuss any concerns victims and witnesses may have about the process
- offer help and support.
They will be a main point of contact for the victim or witness and will liaise with the police, courts and Crown Prosecution Service
Special measures for vulnerable victims and witnesses
Every victim or witness will require different levels of support. Some will be particularly vulnerable and may require particular help. The law provides a range of support called 'Special Measures' which may be put in place to assist vulnerable victims and witnesses at court. These include:
- the use of remote video link - so the witness can give evidence from a different location
- the use of screens in the court room to obscure the witness from the defendant
- communication aids such as symbol or alphabet books
- the use of Intermediaries, who are specialists who can be consulted to assist if a victim or witness has communication difficulties
Witness Care Officers will also consider factors such as cultural issues, the need for interpreters, hearing loops or alternative access routes to courts etc when victims and witnesses are required to attend court. Where needed, travel and accommodation can be arranged.
In addition to these measures, Witness Care Officers can provide telephone numbers of other agencies and organisations who can be contacted by the witness for advice and help.
Witness Care Officers usually contact witnesses by telephone and are unable to carry out home visits; however, they work closely with the Witness Service, which is part of Victim Support.
The Witness Service
The Witness Service can provide support for witnesses as well as family, friends and children who are attending court. It offers:
- someone to talk to, confidentially, about how you're feeling before a trial
- information about what to expect in court, including a chance to see the court beforehand and learn about court procedures
- a quiet place to wait before you are called to give evidence
- someone to go with you into the courtroom if you want, to help
you feel more at-ease
practical help (for example with claiming your expenses - easier access to people, such as court staff, who can answer specific questions about the case
- a chance to talk over the case when it has ended and to get more help or information.
Specific help for victims of domestic abuse
Another source of support can be an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA), who is skilled in the specific help that is needed for victims of domestic abuse. IDVAs can carry out home visits to assess risks, and help deal with emergency accommodation needs.
For more information about being a witness in court...
Please contact one of our Witness Care Units:
- East Sussex 101 extension 67165
- Chichester 01243 520258
- Brighton 101 Ext 50359 (Crown Court cases) and 01273 665789 (Magistrates Court cases)
One person's view of the service she received from her Witness Care Officer:
"Throughout the case my Witness Care Officer provided information that was both timely and unobtrusive. If I had any questions I always felt I could pick up the phone and talk to him. He knows what I've been through and understands my concerns. He provided me with regular updates; these could be anything from bail conditions and court dates to discussions about how I'd get to court from my home town which isn't in Sussex.
"If I hadn't received any updates on my case, I would have worried about what was happening. Having a nominated point of contact was very reassuring; I couldn't have asked for more."
Other sources of information and support:
If you have witnessed a crime and been asked to give evidence in court, you should have received a leaflet entitled Witness in Court.
You'll find information about what you can expect from us and other criminal justice agencies in the leaflet The Witness Charter.
If you have been asked to attend an Identification Parade as a witness, you may have been sent the leaflet Witness Information about the Identification Unit.
HMCS (Her Majesty's Court Service) provides an online video - Going to Court - A step by step guide to being a witness