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Q829: I was a witness to a crime, where can I find information, advice and support?

Answer

Victim Support is an independent charity who provide free, confidential help and support to people affected by crime or traumatic events. You do not have to report a crime to the police to be referred to Victim Support, anyone can contact them directly for help. Trained staff and volunteers provide a wide range of specialist services such as practical and emotional support, and can help people affected by all types of crime. The services extend not only to the victim but also to their friends, family and witnesses. See the links in Related Information for details.

If you are a witness in a case that is being investigated by the police, you will be put in contact with a Witness Care Unit, and a member of staff will be assigned as your single point of contact. This person will answer any questions you may have and can ensure special measures are put in place if you are deemed to be a vulnerable witness. See Q198 for further information.

Witness entitlements are governed by the Witness Charter, this sets out what information and support witnesses should expect from the criminal justice agencies, including the police, Crown Prosecution Service and the courts. Details can be found in Related Information.

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Answer

If you have given a statement for a case, there is always the possibility that you will have to attend court as a witness. You may be called as a witness in most cases if you are the complainant or if the defence want to question you about the issues contained in your statement. On the back of the witness statement form it states that if you give a statement, you may be called to court. This should have been pointed out and explained to you prior to you signing the statement.

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Answer

If you are a witness in the case, you can:

  • Contact the Officer in the Case,
  • Contact the Witness Liaison Department – (the name of this department can differ from force to force),
  • Contact the court directly.

If you are a defendant, you can either contact your solicitor or the court directly.

Please see the link in Related Information to find court contact details.

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Whether witnesses are called to court varies from case to case. It depends on a variety of factors including the evidence presented and the issues in dispute between the prosecution and the defence in the case.

In the majority of cases, the oOfficer in the Ccase will be at the court. Victim Support can offer support and advice to victims of and witnesses to crime, see the websites in Related Information.

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Whilst it is possible that the defendant will also be outside the court room at times, it does not follow that you must sit in the same area. Many courts have large communal areas and will announce each case over a tannoy so that if you wish, you can sit away from the defendant. Alternatively, speak to the court usher and tell them where you are going to be.

At most courts there will also be the Witness Service/Victim Support who will be able to provide a separate room for you if you do not want to sit in the communal area. It is perfectly understandable that you would not want to sit outside the court with the defendant in your case.

Alternatively, you can contact the Officer in the Case who may be able to make alternative arrangements for you.

For more information please see the websites in Related Information.

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Answer

No, if you are a witness or a complainant in a case then you do not need a solicitor. You are simply telling the court what you saw/what happened etc. The Crown Prosecution Service prosecutes the case on behalf of the police and the defendant will have a solicitor to represent him/her but you yourself do not need any legal representation.

For more information please see the websites in related information.

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Question

Q829: I was a witness to a crime, where can I find information, advice and support?

Answer

Victim Support is an independent charity who provide free, confidential help and support to people affected by crime or traumatic events. You do not have to report a crime to the police to be referred to Victim Support, anyone can contact them directly for help. Trained staff and volunteers provide a wide range of specialist services such as practical and emotional support, and can help people affected by all types of crime. The services extend not only to the victim but also to their friends, family and witnesses. See the links in Related Information for details.

If you are a witness in a case that is being investigated by the police, you will be put in contact with a Witness Care Unit, and a member of staff will be assigned as your single point of contact. This person will answer any questions you may have and can ensure special measures are put in place if you are deemed to be a vulnerable witness. See Q198 for further information.

Witness entitlements are governed by the Witness Charter, this sets out what information and support witnesses should expect from the criminal justice agencies, including the police, Crown Prosecution Service and the courts. Details can be found in Related Information.
 
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