Vulnerable witnesses and victims in criminal cases

Most people will give evidence in the courtroom itself. However, to make going to court a safer and less threatening situation (especially for children, or some victims of criminal cases):

• you can have a friend or relative in court while you give evidence, provided they are not appearing as a witness
• the court can be closed to the public while you give evidence
• you can give your evidence from another room by a video link-up.

Ask the prosecutor to apply to the Magistrate for permission to use these before you have been summonsed to give evidence.