Special Measures

For witnesses who may be vulnerable or feel intimidated, special measures can help them to give their evidence in the best way possible.

It may be possible, for example, to give evidence from behind a screen, preventing the accused person from seeing the witness give evidence. Some witnesses may also be allowed to give evidence via a live TV link, so that they do not have to enter the courtroom itself.

Witness Care Officers assess the individual needs and concerns of witnesses and make applications to the court for special measures to be put in place as required.

The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime defines vulnerable victims as:

• Those under 17 years of age
• Those with a physical or mental disability or disorder, including learning difficulties, whose quality of evidence is likely to be reduced if the special measures are not taken
• Victims of domestic violence and the family of murder and manslaughter victims
• Intimidated victims, whose evidence will be hindered by being in fear of the defendant or who are in distress about giving evidence.