Vulnerable Witness Service
In Hampshire & Isle of Wight's Witness Service are two models of support and preparation available for vulnerable witnesses. They are described by National Office as a Core Service and an Enhanced Service.
Our Core Service is provided by the Witness Service in each Crown and Magistrates' court. It includes a pre-trial familiarisation visit, taking place a week or so before trial, and a review of any special measures, but the majority of the work carried out is on the day of the trial and in the court building.
The Enhanced Service expands the Core Service but provides more preparation and support from an earlier stage in the proceedings at a location away from the court. It may include home visits if required. Preparation consists of a slower, planned package delivering information in small manageable chunks which respond to the needs of the individual.
One support worker may be with the vulnerable witness from the time a date is fixed for trial through to post verdict. Research endorses the value of continuity of support from one dedicated worker throughout the process: Increasing witness confidence in attending court, reducing anxiety and being better informed about what to do when answering questions in court.
Parents and carers of vulnerable witnesses rate the service highly too, not only because they felt supported but because they were kept very well informed and had someone to liase with agencies on their behalf. Very importantly they felt that they had someond 'just for them' who they could call on with queries or concerns as they found the Criminal Justice System extremely confusing.
How does it work in practice?
We can use a child witness as an example:
Contact is made with the family and child as soon as a trial date is fixed and if the family and child wish to access the service.
A Witness Service worker may visit the child and family at their home (which could also include a care home or hospital) to get to know the family and make an assessment of the needs of the witness. This will also include an assessment of the child's level of understanding and concentration, how traumatised they are by the crime committed against them and whether the family and home environment are supportive.
They will also try to obtain any information that would affect the child's ability to give evidence and understanding of the preparation for attending court. The same worker will stay with the child and family throughout the whole court process giving the child continuity and security. The worker may then make a plan for several home visits in order to prepare the child for court.
The number of contacts will depend upon the needs of the child; working at the child's pace, responding to their needs rather than those of the court. It is important to support other family members too.
The worker will begin to prepare the child for court explaining about giving evidence, the adversarial process and who's who at court. They would help to alleviate their worries and anxieties and liase with other agencies such as the Crown Prosection Service, police and the courts so they are aware of anything that may affect the way the child gives evidence.
The pre-trial visit will familiarise the child and family with the courtroom and personnel involved and enable practical arrangements to be discussed with the family.
The support worker will accompany the child and family to court and stay with them throughout the process. Sometimes the worker is allowed to sit with the child whilst giving evidence via a television link. support will continue to be provided once the child leaves the courtroom. Further home visits may take place post-verdict and post-sentence if required.
Reflections of a Vulnerable Witness Service Volunteer
If you would like any more information about the Vulnerable Witness Service please go to our contacts page for details.