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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

The Role of The Crown Prosecution Service

The Crown Prosecution Service is the government department responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police in England and Wales.

As the principal prosecuting authority in England and Wales, we are responsible for:

  • advising the police on cases for possible prosecution
  • reviewing cases submitted by the police
  • determining any charges in more serious or complex cases
  • preparing cases for court
  • presenting cases at court

Find out more about the role of the Crown Prosecution Service

Home » News Centre » Press Statements » DPP welcomes 'Prosecutors' Toolkit' from mental health charity

DPP welcomes 'Prosecutors' Toolkit' from mental health charity

04/10/2010

The mental health charity, Mind, has today published a 'Prosecutors' Toolkit', which is designed to aid prosecutors in handling cases involving victims and witnesses with mental health issues.

Welcoming the publication, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, said: "The Mind toolkit will be an excellent complement to the official CPS prosecution guidance on mental health, giving prosecutors practical information, advice, tips and tools. I will be asking all prosecutors and advocates to make full use of the toolkit, both in complementing their training and by referring to it during day-to-day case handling.     

"Cases involving victims and witnesses with mental health issues have proved challenging for the Crown Prosecution Service in the past. Equality of access to justice is crucial, and the Mind toolkit will help prosecutors to give victims and witnesses with mental health issues the justice they deserve." 

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