After the trial
Both victims and witnesses can find the effects of crime can last long after a trial
Being a witness or attending a trial for a crime that affected you can be a big experience in your life. Whether you're simply anxious about giving evidence or placing all your hopes on a guilty verdict for the accused, it's sometimes hard to think beyond a trial once you know it's coming up.
Whatever happens in court, it can sometimes be an anticlimax after a trial - even if you're happy with the verdict. That's where Victim Support can continue to help you cope with the aftermath of a crime. Whether it's just an opportunity to let off some steam after the trial, or ongoing support to put your life back together after a serious crime, we'll do whatever we can, for as long as possible, to help you. Talk to our Witness Service people, your volunteer, or any of our offices to find out what we can do to help.
Keeping you informed
If you've been a witness, the Witness Care Unit should tell you what the outcome of the trial is once it's over. If you know the trial has finished but you haven't been informed, you can contact your witness care officer to find out.
Release of offenders
If you were the victim of a sexual or violent crime and the offender is sentenced to a year or more in jail, you will be contacted by the National Probation Service after the trial. Click here to find out more.