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Victims & Witnesses PDF Print E-mail
The criminal justice system relies heavily on the willingness of prosecution witnesses to come forward and give evidence in court in order to enable us to bring offenders to justice.  Without witnesses prepared to give evidence in court, all too often cases have to be abandoned, defendants avoid trial and justice isn't done.

But appearing in court can be a daunting experience.  That's why the CPS, working with their colleagues across the criminal justice system, provides a range of measures to support victims and witnesses in giving their best evidence at court.

The past two years have seen the introduction of several new strands of work around victims and witnesses - No Witness No Justice, The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime, the Prosecutor's Pledge; all are part of a bigger initiative that aims to put victims and witnesses at the heart of the criminal justice system.

Witness Care Units
Witness Care Units are available throughout the country and means that victims and witnesses can receive one to one support to help them through the sometimes difficult process of giving evidence in court.  

Special measures
Special measures can be put in place during a trial so that vulnerable and intimidated witnesses feel able to give their best possible evidence.  
More information on special measures (opens external website)

The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime
The Code sets out the level of service victims of crime in Derbyshire can expect from all agencies within the criminal justice system.  

Direct Communication with Victims
CPS lawyers can keep victims of crime informed about any developments relating to their case.  

Victim Personal Statements
Victim Personal Statements are a means by which victims can express the physical, psychological and emotional impact that a crime has had on them. 

The Prosecutor's Pledge
The Prosecutor's Pledge gives victims of crime the opportunity to see the level of service they should expect from prosecutors as their case progresses through the criminal justice system.