Publications & resources

The CPS Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy 2017-2020 sets out the vision for developing our VAWG work in line with the wider CPS and cross-government VAWG Strategy Objectives.

As part of the revised CPS VAWG Strategy the CPS has produced a Public Statement on male victims of offences including rape, domestic abuse, harassment, stalking and child sexual abuse. The CPS has always been committed to securing justice for all victims, both male and female, and applies policies…

Introduction General Issues Public Interest Considerations Drugs Conditional Cautioning Links with Human Trafficking Violence against women involved in prostitution Special measures and Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) video interviews Domestic violence Guidance by…

Introduction These standards are issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The DPP is the head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) which is the principal public prosecution service for England and Wales. The DPP operates independently under the superintendence of the Attorney…

What happens at a pre-trial witness interview - your questions answered What is a pre-trial witness interview? What happens if I do not wish to attend an interview? May I bring a friend who would be present throughout the interview? What sort of questions will I be asked? Will I know…

After the trial the Witness Care Unit will inform you of the outcome of your case. Appeals People convicted by a magistrates' court can appeal to the Crown Court against their conviction and the sentence. People convicted by the Crown Court can appeal to the Court of Appeal. If these…

Before the day of the trial it is a good idea to find out as much as you can about what will happen and what is expected of you. Your witness care officer may do a 'needs assessment' with you to see if you need special help in court. This help may range from an interpreter, to a closed…

Magistrates' court Most criminal cases are heard in a magistrates' court. The magistrates are usually people who live in the local community, sometimes called justices of the peace. There are usually three magistrates who are supported by a legally trained advisor. Sometimes cases are…

The next stage is investigation, where the police gather evidence. The police may ask you to tour the area where the offence happened to help identify the offender. They may also ask you to look at photographs or attend an identity parade. Police investigations can take a long time. It…

Once a charge has been brought the police will pass your file on to your local Witness Care Unit. They ensure that victims and witnesses are kept at the centre of the criminal justice system. The Witness Care Unit manages the care of victims and witnesses from the point of charge through to…