Things every witness needs to know
Giving evidence in court can be worrying, but we are here to support you through that process
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A courtroom is an uncomfortable and unfamiliar place for most people.
Giving evidence in court can be worrying, but thousands of people do it every year because they want to play their part in seeing justice done. Whatever the stress or difficulties you're facing as a witness, we can make it a bit easier by giving you as much information as possible to help you get ready for the trial.
Use the links on the left to find out how our Witness Service can help and support you before, during and after a trial. You can also get information on what to do if you are being threatened as a result of witnessing a crime, and the special measures that are available to make it easier for young, vulnerable or intimidated witnesses to give evidence.
You can also get information about being a witness and going to court from many of the agencies involved by following the external links to the right
A few things we can't do
Although our Witness Service can help you with information about what to expect at court, help with practical arrangements and help you deal with the emotional side of giving evidence, there are some things we can't do. For example, we have to be careful not to discuss the evidence you are going to give as the court could say that we had intefered with your evidence and, in the worst case, this could cause a trial to fail. Clearly that's not in anyone's interest. We also can't give you legal advice as that's a specialist job for a legal expert.
And while our volunteers can support you throughout the trial and even sit in the courtroom with you, they can't communicate with you in any way when you're actually in the courtroom - again because of the risk of this being seen as interfering with the trial. But having someone from the Witness Service in court means that you will be able to discuss what happened and what was said, after the trial with someone who was there and knows what you've been through.