Victims and Witnesses - at the heart of Justice

You are really important in the quest for justice and a safe community. By reporting crime and giving evidence you are helping us to let people know that crime will not be tolerated in your community.

Reporting crime

You will usually report the crime directly to your local Police who will investigate it and refer it to us.

Some crimes are regarded as being motivated by hate or prejudice, domestic abuse and racist incidents to name just two, and people can sometimes find it difficult to talk about what has happened and take the step to contact their Police. In some parts of the Area your Local Authority have made it easier for people who experience these types of crime by setting up independent reporting centers.

Your local authority website can give you details of any reporting centers in your area.

Find out more about 'hate crime' and what we are doing about it.

What you can expect from us

You may have concerns about attending court and giving evidence. In most cases, around 3 out of every 4 cases, the accused person pleads guilty to the offence and your attendance at court will not be required.

If however they plead not guilty we are likely to ask you to attend court. This could be to give evidence before a magistrate or district judge or in the more serious types of crime, at Crown Court in front of a judge and jury.

The failure of witnesses to attend court is a major reason for prosecutions being discontinued so it is important that you attend.

The important thing to know is that if you are asked to attend court you are not left to deal with it on your own. Right from the start you will be supported by a witness care officer . Our Witness Care officers are based in Police stations throughout the Area.

Your witness care officer will talk to you about any concerns you may have or arrangements that need to be made. For example they can arrange for you to be shown round the court in advance so you will know what will happen or help with arrangements such as child care on the day. They can also put you in touch with people from other organisations, such as Victim Support Service, who will offer you support and attend court with you.

You can find out more about Victim Support Service by visiting their website.

The Office for Criminal Justice Reform have devised a 'virtual walkthrough' of the whole process. Take a look at it on their website.

Vulnerable and Intimidated Witnesses

Some people have special requirements for example there may be emotional or physical reasons why standing up in court and giving evidence may cause you difficulties.

In some circumstances our prosecutors can apply to the court for special measures to be used. Subject to the courts approval, this can allow for special arrangements to be made, such as allowing you to give evidence via a live TV link or behind a screen so you do not have to see the accused person

Children and Young People

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has published two booklets, specifically designed for children and young people who experience crime.  To find out more have a look at the Jerome and Millie Leaflets.