Whether you choose to report a crime or not there are
organisations who can offer you help, support and advice such as
Victim Support, Women's Aid, ManKind, and many more.
All these independent agencies are confidential, and will not
tell the police what you say to them. They might suggest reporting
the crime to the police, but they will never do so without your
permission.
Witness Care Units
Dedicated Witness Care Units are staffed by Crown Prosecution
Service and police personnel are all designed to increase the
confidence of victims within the criminal justice system. They are
part of Victim Support.
Support is also available at a very early stage from the police
and other support agencies, which can continue throughout the life
of the prosecution.
No Witness No Justice is a joint programme between the police
and the CPS and is aimed at responding to the individual needs of
victims and witnesses through dedicated Witness Care Units.
Witness Care Officers provide a single point of contact and
tailored support for each witness to ensure that they are able to
give their best evidence.
Witness Care Officers will manage the care of the victim from
the first hearing in the magistrates’ court right up until the
final hearing and will liaise with the Witness Service to arrange
pre-trial visits.
In addition, they will ensure that the victim is provided with
support following the finalisation of the case. Where someone is
convicted of a sexual offence and is given a sentence of
imprisonment or detention of 12 months or more, the Witness Care
Unit will speak with the victim about referring them to the
National Probation Service Victim Contact Scheme and provide them
with a leaflet regarding the scheme.
The scheme enables victims to make representations about what
licence conditions or supervision requirements the offender should
be subject to on their release. Thereafter, those operating the
scheme will ensure that the victim is informed of the conditions
imposed.
The Witness Care Unit keep victims informed of any appeals by
the defence against conviction and sentence. They will also inform
victims if a defendant is granted bail following a successful
application for leave to appeal, or where an appeal is granted.