By Witness Service volunteer, Trish Thomson

The Witness Service is a free and confidential help and support service offered by Victim Support that is based in all criminal courts. The service offers support to:

• Witnesses who are called to give evidence, including defence witnesses;
• Victims of crime and their families and friends attending court for any reason;
• Children as well as adults.

Witness Service staff and volunteers can offer witnesses:

• Someone to talk to in confidence;
• A chance to see the court beforehand and learn about court procedures;
• A quiet place to wait;
• Someone to accompany them into the court room when giving evidence;
• Practical help (for example with expense forms);
• Easier access to people who can answer specific questions about the case (the Witness Service cannot discuss evidence or offer legal advice);
• A chance to talk over the case when it has ended and to get more help or information.

Why is it needed?

Many witnesses worry about having to attend court and can feel very intimidated by the process. As a result, they can get stressed and not give their best, or even withdraw from the process and cause the case to collapse. The presence of the Witness Service ensures that witnesses are supported through the process so that they give evidence in the best way they can.

Volunteers give practical help, for example pre-trial visits, and expense forms, and emotional support when needed.

Motivations

Volunteers have many different motivations for getting involved with the Witness Service. When my children were small I did a lot of volunteering at their schools, and ran the Brownies and so on, but once they'd grown up I decided I wanted to do something with adults.

I approached Victim Support, as it was an organisation I had heard about (my father-in-law was one of the founders of the charity in the west of Scotland). They told me I could either be a Victim Support volunteer or a Witness Service volunteer. I thought Witness Service would be more interesting as I didn't know very much about the criminal justice system.

The other thing I liked about the Witness Service is that it is very time-specific: you put yourself down on a rota for however many days a week you want, for as far ahead as you like, so it's all planned and in the diary and you can fit other things round it. With Victim Support, as I understand it, you get a caseload and make contact with victims, who may or may not be available at the times you want to give them. Some people prefer this greater flexibility, of course.

Rewarding

Helping victims and witnesses give their best evidence, and knowing that I am helping people at a time when they are distressed and vulnerable, makes the role very rewarding. I also like the feeling of playing a small part in the smooth administration of the criminal justice system. Although I have no legal training or background, I have learned a huge amount about how the system operates, particularly in a Crown Court. I find it constantly stimulating to meet people from all walks of life; every day is different and there is no such thing as a typical victim.

Challenges

It can be upsetting when people are very distressed, and it can be harrowing listening to details of rape, murder, child abuse and domestic violence. Sometimes people's nervousness or distress is manifested as anger and it can be directed at the Witness Service, who may be seen, when people are in an emotional state, as representatives of the criminal justice system.

Commitment

In theory I do one day a week, but as I said, it's easy to plan weeks in advance and simply not put yourself on the rota if you want a week off. I average at least three days a month.

For anyone considering taking on the role I'd say leave all your preconceptions and any prejudices behind. There is a steep learning curve at the beginning, and you have to be prepared to say "I don't know" if in doubt.

Search the do-it.org.uk database for Witness Service opportunities in your local area or visit the Victim Support website.

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