Updated: 29 August 2023; 29 October 2024

Many witnesses experience stress and fear during the investigation of a crime and when attending court and giving evidence. Stress and fear can affect the quantity and quality of communication with, and by, witnesses of all ages. The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (YJCEA) introduced a range of measures that can be used to facilitate the gathering and giving of evidence by vulnerable and intimidated witnesses by alleviating some of that stress. The measures are collectively known as "special measures".

Updated: 27 May 2021

Last updated: December 2020

; New guidance added 29/10/2019

Updated: 25 April 2023

This guidance identifies the principles relevant to victims and witnesses with mental health conditions or disorders, namely a mental disorder, as defined by the Mental Health Act 2007, a learning disability, a learning difficulty, autism Spectrum Disorder, an acquired brain injury, dementia, other mental health, cognitive or neuro-diverse conditions.

Updated: Oct 2019; 24 May 2024; 15 Dec 2025

The purpose of this document is to provide practical and legal guidance to prosecutors dealing with cases that involve children (Article 1 of the UN Convention defines a child as any person who has not yet reached their 18th birthday) as victims and witnesses.

Updated: 28 Sept 2022; minor update: 20 Sept 2023; 12 March 2025

updated: 30 Apr 2020; 8 Jul 2026

This guidance deals with older people as victims and witnesses, not as offenders. It should be read in conjunction with the CPS Policy Guidance on the prosecution of crimes against older people.

Updated: 02 February 2021