Special measures:

Special court measures help vulnerable or intimidated witnesses give their evidence in the best way possible. All complainants in respect of sexual offences who are witnesses have automatic eligibility for Special Measures when giving their evidence.

The main examples are:

  • Using screens in the courtroom so the witness can't see, or be seen by, the defendant
  • Giving evidence by live video link from a separate room in the court building
  • Using video evidence in cross examination
  • Clearing the public gallery of people
  • Removing court attire, such as wigs and gowns
  • Using an intermediary for questioning
  • Using communication aids

Home » Victims and Witnesses

Victims and Witnesses

During 2010/11 we called 15,069 witnesses to give evidence

Giving evidenceWitnesses are crucial to the prosecution process. Without witnesses who are prepared to give evidence in court, all too often cases have to be abandoned, defendants avoid trial and justice is not done. We understand that giving evidence can be a daunting experience, but we're committed to supporting witnesses throughout.

Police Witness Care Units provide support for all victims and witnesses in cases where the defendant does not plead guilty at the first hearing.

If you're a victim or witness in a case like this, you'll be allocated a Witness Care Officer who'll be your single point of contact. They will identify specific support requirements such as child care, transport, language difficulties and medical issues. They will also highlight any areas of concern, such as possible witness intimidation.

Your needs will be continually reviewed throughout the prosecution process and you'll be regularly updated on the progress of the case and the final result.

We have joint Police and CPS Witness Care Units in

  • Bournemouth
  • Chippenham

and solely Police Witness Care Units in

  • Southampton
  • Portsmouth
  • Basingstoke

What this has meant for one victim

A Domestic Violence victim was assaulted by her partner in a public place. It was the latest in a long line of attacks and the victim was so scared she fled to a refuge with her two young children.

The victim was very worried about attending court. Her case was allocated to a Witness Care Officer who provided regular updates by text message, as this was the victim's preferred means of contact.

The Witness Care Officer arranged for a taxi with a female driver to take the victim to court, she was met at the steps of the court and taken inside to a secure waiting area.

Special measures were in place in the courtroom via a live-link video, which meant the defendant was at another court.

He was sentenced to 18 weeks imprisonment suspended for two years. He was also ordered to attend the Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme for two years and pay the victim £100 compensation.

Since the case, the victim says her confidence has grown enormously. She has told the Witness Care Officer that she feels more empowered to deal with all aspects of her life and is now arranging her finances and housing. The victim attributes this new confidence to the Witness Care Officer and the fact that she never gave up on her.

For more information on the support available for victims and witness' and the Code of Practice for victims of a crime, please visit our national website.