Children under 17, victims of sexual offences and people with communication difficulties may need help with giving evidence.

Some people find the process of giving evidence in court particularly difficult or daunting for reasons such as the nature of the crime or their relationship with the defendant. 

These people (described as vulnerable or intimidated witnesses), may be allowed to use "special measures" to help them give their evidence in the best possible way.

The special measures that may be available are:

• Screens around the witness box. A screen is placed around the witness box to prevent the witness from having to see the defendant.
• Evidence via live link. The Witness can sit in a room outside the courtroom and give their evidence via a live television link to the courtroom. The witness will be able to see the courtroom and those in the courtroom can see the witness on a television screen.
• Video recorded evidence in chief. The witness' main oral evidence is videotaped and played to the court.
• Removal of wigs and gowns. The judge and lawyers in the Crown Court do not wear gowns and wigs so that the court feels less formal.
• Evidence given in private. This is when members of the public are not allowed in the court room.
• Use of communication aids. For example an alphabet board.
• Examination through an intermediary. An intermediary is someone who can help a witness understand questions that they are being asked, and can make his or her answers understood by the court.

To find out more about special measures, visit the Criminal Justice System website that provides information on giving evidence.

Making a Victim Personal Statement (PDF, 671KB)
A Victim Personal Statement allows victims of crime to describe in statement form how the crime has affected them whether physically, emotionally, financially or in any other way. This booklet describes how one can be made and how it will then be used during the prosecution of the case.