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Support for Victims and Witnesses

Being a victim or a witness to a crime is not easy, but, with your help, we work hard to bring offenders to justice. Throughout the justice process we will support you and treat you with dignity.

The aim of witness care units is to provide a single point of contact for Victims and Witnesses, minimising the stress of attending court and keeping  victims and witnesses up to date with any news in a way that is convenient to them.

Witnesses are essential to successful prosecutions and we are committed to making the process as straightforward as we can.

Read the fact sheet about witness care units

Find out more about being a witness

Watch a video clip about Witness Care Units

Home » News Centre » Articles » Victims' Advocates - Judicial Protocol published

Victims' Advocates - Judicial Protocol published

05/05/2006

Applying to offences of murder or manslaughter charged after 24 April 2006, the Victims' Advocates pilot allows the family of a victim to make a statement in open court about the effect of the crime on their family.

In making this statement, victims' families may ask for assistance from a CPS prosecutor or an independent advocate with Higher Court rights of audience. Victims' Advocates are being piloted at The Central Criminal Court, Birmingham Crown Court, Cardiff Crown Court, Manchester Crown Court and Winchester Crown Court.

For more information on the protocol, visit the Judiciary of England and Wales website.