Victims and Witnesses
Victims and witnesses are crucial to the criminal justice process.
The criminal justice system (CJS) relies heavily on the willingness of prosecution witnesses, to give evidence in court, which enables offenders to be brought to justice. Without witnesses being prepared to give evidence in court, all too often cases have to be abandoned, defendants avoid a trial and justice is not done.
Appearing in court can be a daunting experience. That is why the Crown Proscution Service (CPS) and our colleagues across the criminal justice system provide a range of measures to support victims and witnessess to help them give evidence at court.
Witness Care Unit
Witness Care Units (WCU) were established in 2005 as part of the 'No Witness, No Justice' project and are jointly run by CPS and police staff who are known as Witness Care Officers (WCO).
They ensure that victims and witnesses are informed and supported throughout the court process, that their needs are met to ensure the best evidence can be given, and that they are thanked for their contribution. Victims and witnesses receive one to one support to help them through the sometimes difficult process of giving evidence in court.
If you are a victim or witness, you will be contacted by a dedicated Witness Care Officer. They can help you by:
- Identifying any requirements that you might have so that you can attend court, such as childcare arrangements, disabilities, an interpreter or transportation. This is called a 'needs assessment'.
- Asking you for any inconvenient dates when you cannot attend court, such as hospital appointments or a pre-booked holiday.
- Updating you on the progress of the case and will explain how the criminal justice process works.
- Arranging for you to have a familiarisation visit at court with someone from the Witness Service before the trial.
- Offering support and reassurance with your general anxieties and concerns about the case and what to expect when you get to court. Your WCO can refer you to Victim Support or other organisations if you require more specialist support.
- At the end of the case, your WCO will tell you the result and explain any sentence. They will thank you for your assistance with the case and offer you further support if you need it.
Victim Personal Statement
Anyone who has been a victim of crime and has made a statement has the opportunity to make a Victim Personal Statement, in which they can explain how they have been affected by the crime, such as emotionally, physically, psychologically or financially.
This personal statement then becomes part of the case papers and is seen by the police, defence lawyers, magistrates and judges at court. The Crown Prosecution Service takes into account what the victim has said when we make decisions on the case and ensure that, where appropriate, the court is aware of the contents of the statement so it can be considered; for example in sentencing.
Children or vulnerable adults can give permission for their parent or carer to make this statement for them.
