Is there a cost to the service?

There is no cost, the service is free and confidential

If I have been a victim of crime do I have to report that crime to the police?

You are not legally bound to report your crime to the police however, investigating crimes, catching criminals and protecting the community is the police's main job, but they also help victims and witnesses of crime. Even if you do not report a crime as the victim, someone who saw what happened might do, so it's likely that you will have to talk to police after a crime.

I don't want to report this to police, can I still get support?

Yes, you can still receive our support

Do you tell the police everything we discuss?

We promise that all information you provide to us ‐ verbally or in writing ‐ will be kept confidential within the Victim Care and Advice Service. This information will not be shared externally unless you expressly instruct us to do so or unless we are required to under law. We will take our time to establish the best way to communicate with you; for example, which email address, phone number or other contact method you want us to use. We will take any other steps that you need us to take to protect your privacy.

WE SUPPORT YOU BEFORE, DURING & AFTER COURT

We know attending court can be a daunting experience. If you have any concerns or questions then we are available to help at every stage of the process.

Before Court

BEFORE THE DAY AT COURT

Once the suspect has been charged, you will be contacted, usually by a Witness Care Officer (a police employee whose job is to help victims and witnesses with any practical issues about the court process).

They will stay in touch to help you until the case is over, letting you know court dates and locations and whether the suspect has been released on bail or is being held in custody until the trial begins. If your case does go to court, you may be a witness in the trial. Your Witness Care Officer will tell you if you are going to be required to give evidence in court.

The Victim Care and Mentor Service work closely with the Witness Care Unit so together they can provide the support you may need.

If you wish to visit the court prior to the court case then tell the Witness Care Unit and they can arrange for you to have a pre-trial visit to the court, so that you know where everything is, and where you and other people will sit in the courtroom, or while you’re waiting to give your evidence.

Two men in a law office, one writing notes and the other with folded hands, with a gavel and law book on table.

Preparing For Court Video

The video below will give you a brief overview of preparing for court.

Please note: The blue witness expense form is no longer provided by the Witness Service. Details of how you can now claim your expenses can be found in the letter you will receive from the Witness Care Unit informing you of when you are required to attend Court.

On The Day

The Day At Court

If you are called to give evidence in a court, you may be asked to talk publicly about unpleasant, upsetting, or personal events – things you might not even feel comfortable saying to a friend or family member.

Remember you are not alone as Victim Care and Mentor Service can help prepare you for giving evidence to help make the process easier.

You will first be questioned by the Crown Prosecutor or Crown Advocate and then you may be asked several questions by the lawyer of the defendant – the person accused of the crime.

This is called cross-examination. Being cross-examined can be difficult, but it is important to remember that it is not a personal attack on you, simply a defence lawyer doing their job. If the questioning is too aggressive or inappropriate, the trial judge or magistrate can intervene to stop it.

If someone is convicted, sentencing can be delayed until reports are prepared. If you want to be present for sentencing, it is important you tell the Witness Care Unit.

Subject to the permission of the court, if a defendant is found guilty you are entitled to read your Victim Personal Statement (VPS) aloud or have it read aloud on your behalf.

The CPS are responsible for notifying the court if you want to read it aloud or to have it read on your behalf. If you want to attend court and read out your VPS it is important you tell the Witness Care Unit.

Click the button below to find out more about our courts in the North East.

Read About Our Courts

Woman in courtroom comforting a man seated next to her, with judge blurred in the background.

Two women seated in blue chairs facing each other in a cozy room, one holding a notebook and pen.

After Court

Following The Day At Court

For many victims, their journey continues long after the trial.

The Witness Care Unit (WCU) are responsible for informing you about the outcome of the trial and sentence. The WCU can also explain that sentence to you so you fully understand. The Crown Prosecution Service are responsible for dealing with your expenses and advising you on any appeals.

Victim Contact Scheme

If you are the victim of a serious sexual or violent offence where an offender receives a custodial sentence of 12 months or more, then you will be given the opportunity to join the probation service contact scheme.

The Probation Service have specially trained Victim Liaison Officers (VLO’s) who can:

keep in contact with you during the sentence
answer your questions
give you information about how the justice system works

The VLO can also provide information to the parents, guardians or carers of child victims and where an offence has resulted in the death of the victim, information can be provided to their next of kin.

You are entitled to know certain information, and you are entitled to request additional conditions to an offender’s licence relating to you and/or your family.

Joining this scheme is completely up to you and depends on how you feel. Following the court hearing the Probation Service will write to you and ask if you would like to join the scheme.

Further Support

Criminal Injuries Compensation

You might be able to claim compensation if you were the victim of a violent crime. This includes if:

you were injured
a close relative died
you saw the crime happen to a loved one (or were there immediately afterwards)
you paid for the funeral of a person who died

You usually have to claim within 2 years of the crime. The crime must be reported to the police before you apply. It does not cost anything to apply.

The Victim Care and Mentor Service can help you in making a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

FAQs

Please browse our FAQs below, and get in touch if you have any further questions.

Want To Know More?

Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help you.