Going to court as a victim or witness
You may not have to go to court. If the person charged pleads guilty, there is usually no trial.
If there is a trial and you are needed to give evidence, the Witness Care Unit should tell you and explain what happens next. Tell the police or Witness Care Unit as soon as possible if you have safety, communication, disability, travel, childcare or other support needs.
If you are worried about going to court
It is normal to feel worried about going to court. You can ask for help before the hearing and on the day.
Contact the Witness Care Unit if you have its details. It is usually the main contact for victims and prosecution witnesses who may need to attend court.
The Witness Care Unit can give practical information about your hearing, travelling to court, support arrangements and witness expenses.
Tell someone what help you need
Tell the police or Witness Care Unit as early as possible if you need:
- a safe way to be contacted;
- an interpreter or translation;
- British Sign Language interpretation;
- information in large print, audio or easy read format;
- help with a disability, learning disability, neurodivergence or mental health need;
- help with mobility, hearing or sight;
- or help with travel, childcare or another practical issue.
In Wales, you can ask about Welsh language support.
Visit the court before the hearing
You may be able to visit the court before your hearing. This can help you see the building, understand where you will wait and find out what to expect on the day.
The visit is not a chance to discuss your evidence. It is to help you feel more prepared.
Ask the Witness Care Unit about arranging a visit. The Witness Service may also be able to provide practical and emotional support.
Extra help to give evidence
You may be able to ask for extra help to give evidence. This is often called special measures .
Special measures can include:
- giving evidence by video link;
- using a screen so you do not see the defendant;
- having communication aids, such as symbols or an alphabet board;
- asking for the public gallery to be cleared;
- and removing wigs and gowns in some cases.
Police or the Witness Care Unit should discuss your needs with you. The prosecutor can apply for special measures, but the judge or magistrates decide whether they are granted.
Read extra protection in the courtroom for more information. A video link does not always mean that the defendant cannot see or hear you.
The arrangements will depend on the special measures the court grants.
If you find communication difficult
Tell police or the Witness Care Unit if you find it difficult to understand questions or explain your answers. You may be assessed for help from an intermediary.
An intermediary is a communication specialist who can recommend changes to help you understand questions and communicate your answers. Police or the Crown Prosecution Service usually makes the request for an intermediary.
Read about the Witness Intermediary Scheme
What happens on the day
You will usually have a separate waiting area from the defendant and people attending with them. If there is no separate area, tell court staff as soon as you arrive so that they can consider safety arrangements.
A court hearing may not start at the time you expect. Court staff should give you a contact point and updates while you wait.
The prosecutor or advocate should explain how long the wait is likely to be. You may not need to give evidence after all.
For example, the defendant may change their plea to guilty. If you are asked to return on another day, court staff or the prosecutor should explain why.
If the date changes or you cannot attend
The Witness Care Unit should tell you the date, time and location of a hearing. Hearing dates can change.
Some cases have a period when you may be asked to attend, rather than one fixed date. This is sometimes called a warned period or floating trial .
Tell the Witness Care Unit straight away if you cannot attend on particular dates. If you cannot attend a hearing, contact the Witness Care Unit as soon as possible.
Do not wait until the day of the hearing.
Expenses and practical help
If you are called to give evidence for the prosecution, you may be able to claim some expenses. This can include travel, meals, accommodation where needed, childcare and loss of earnings.
Ask the Witness Care Unit about what you can claim and how to make a claim. It may be able to help with travel or accommodation arrangements in some cases.
Read the CPS guidance on witness expenses and allowances for more information.
If you make a Victim Personal Statement
A Victim Personal Statement is different from giving evidence at a trial. It is your chance to explain how the crime has affected you.
If someone is convicted, the court will consider the statement when deciding sentence. You do not have to read it aloud in court for it to be considered.
Read Reporting a crime: your options for more information about Victim Personal Statements.
About this information
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