Victims and Witnesses
Witness Care Units (WCU) have been created under the No Witness No Justice initiative to provide an enhanced level of service to all victims and witnesses of crime in England and Wales in cases where a charge has been brought. Staffed by CPS and police personnel, there are now WCUs in every CPS Area.
Every victim and witness is allocated a WCU officer to guide them through their experience. This officer will update them on court dates, take any questions they have about the criminal justice system and reassure them about all aspects of their court appearance.
A pre-court visit to see the witness facilities and a walk around the court can be arranged. If a victim or witness requires special treatment in the courtroom, the CPS can apply for special measures, likewise if a victim or witness has dependants, and so attending court is difficult, the WCU can arrange a registered childminder.
Did you know, for example, that:
- Screens may be made available to shield a witness from a defendant
- Arrangements can be made to give evidence via a live TV link
- Judges and lawyers can remove wigs and gowns
- The public gallery could be cleared of people
The aim is to take the stress out of attending court and keep victims and witnesses up to date with any news in a way that is convenient to them. This can be in writing, by email, or even a text message! Witnesses are a key part of securing prosecutions and narrowing the justice gap so we want to make the experience with us as straightforward as we can.