Child Protection Teams have specialist-trained officers to carry out joint investigations with Social Care Services to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect of all types on children.

In light of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, certain witnesses, essentially children, young people and adults suffering from a physical or mental disability, can give their evidence in a variety of ways - they do not always have to attend court in person and can provide their initial evidence via a video recorded interview.

Additionally, they and other witnesses can later give their evidence by video link from another room within the Court complex.

In May 2005, the number of victims and witnesses entitled to give their evidence via a video recording was extended to include victims of rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, hate crime, racial crime as well as intimidated witnesses.

For those who do attend court, various measures can be applied for by the Crown Prosecution Service to make the appearance less stressful.

The National Society for the Protection of Children (NSPCC) can play a similar role for children in liaison with the other agencies. You can contact the NSPCC’s helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email: help@nspcc.org.uk

VOICE UK is a national charity, which provides support to people with learning difficulties, and their families who have experienced crime or abuse. You can call the helpline number 0870 0133965, which is manned 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday or email: info@voiceuk.org.uk