Young Witnesses
For a child that has been abused, giving evidence in court can be very distressing. Our dedicated Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) provides child-focused support that prepares and guides children and their loved ones through the court process and witness testimony.
Our ISVA can help children in their role as young witnesses to be more confident and better equipped to give a full and accurate account in court.
They will make sure that your child is:
- prepared and able to answer critical questions
- able to understand, and not feel intimidated by, the courtroom and legal process
- able to understand the words or phrases being used in court
- able to relax, keep calm and reduce anxiety & fear
- aware of the time scale involved and prepared for any long periods of waiting
- knowledgeable about the special measures that are in place to help young people give evidence in court i.e. video-link
- able to access materials such as the NSPCC/ChildLine Young Witness Pack, model courtrooms and the NSPCC/ChildLine video, 'Giving Evidence - what's it really like?'
- able to take advantage of a pre-court visit so that they can familiarise themselves with the court room and staff
During the Trial
Your child will be supported by a dedicated Young Person Support Worker. Special permission will need to be granted from the judge for your ISVA to be present. Your Young Person Support Worker will:
- sit with your child in the TV link room or near them in the courtroom subject to agreement of the court
- stay with the child during breaks in evidence and help them to remain as calm as possible.
After the Trial
Your ISVA will:
- help the child and their carers understand what has happened at court, including dealing with any confusing feelings about the outcome of the trial
- help children and their carers complete Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) application forms, where appropriate
- refer children to therapeutic treatment services to help them overcome the long-term effects of abuse. Our overall aim is to reduce the distress experienced by young witnesses and help them give their evidence as clearly as possible.
Our overall aim is to reduce the distress experienced by young witnesses and help them to lead a happy and healthy life long after the court case has ended.
To contact the Child and Young Persons ISVA please call 08458 12-12-12 or email patricia@twelvescompany.co.uk
