The Victim and Witness Support Team (VAWS) provides help and support to victims and witnesses of crime who are or will be attending court to give evidence.

The unit have Witness Care Officers who maintain a constant supportive link with victims ensuring their court experience is as smooth and stress free as possible.

This service enables more victims and witnesses to give evidence, reducing the rate of ineffective trials through improved witness attendance at court.

The Officers also work closely with other agencies that are responsible for supporting Victims of Domestic Violence.

Since April 2003, all the criminal justice agencies and partnering organisations have been involved in the ‘No Witness, No Justice’ programme aimed at making the victim and witness experience as efficient and appreciative of individual needs as possible.