Victim Support will begin delivery of the Witness Service from 1 April – ensuring witnesses can access free, confidential and trauma-informed support in every criminal court across England and Wales.

The Witness Service offers practical and emotional help to all witnesses – for both defence and prosecution – before, during, and after trial. Last year, the service supported 80,000 people, including bereaved family members and those accompanying witnesses in court.

The award of a four-year grant by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) marks the return of a flagship national service originally built by Victim Support more than 30 years ago. We first established the Witness Service in the early 1990s to address a lack of support for people attending court. Since 2015, the service has been delivered by Citizens Advice. The grant follows Victim Support’s successful application to deliver the service.

Backed by £14 million a year in Ministry of Justice funding, the grant is a major investment into witness support at a time when the justice system is under increasing pressure from long delays and an ever-rising backlog.

The Witness Service helps people understand what to expect at court, offering emotional and practical support every step of the way. Trained staff and volunteers listen, answer questions, and help make the court process feel less daunting, so witnesses can give their best evidence.

Victim Support will introduce innovations to further strengthen the Service, including:

• A new, dedicated website providing tailored resources and guidance that help to reduce anxiety and uncertainty. Witnesses can also choose to attend court for an in-person pre-trial visit, with Witness Service staff and volunteers showing them a courtroom and guiding them through the trial process.
• A panel of experts by experience, meaning the service will be shaped by those who use it and reflect their needs.
• Access to Victim Support’s My Support Space self-help tools, so people can seek support at their own pace, before, during and after trial.
• Specialist trauma-informed training to ensure quality, consistent support.

Founded in 1974, Victim Support provides a range of specialist services for victims, witnesses and bereaved families across England and Wales, enabling them to feel safer and more informed, empowering them to access their entitlements, and working towards a future where they are well supported, their rights are respected and their voices are heard.

Katie Kempen, Chief Executive of Victim Support, said:

“Giving evidence in court can be daunting, stressful and intimidating, and no-one should ever feel they have to face that experience alone. Our commitment is clear: every witness – whether an adult, a child, a bereaved family member, or a supporter – will have someone by their side in court.

“We’re proud to welcome so many dedicated staff and volunteers into Victim Support, and grateful to Citizens Advice for their partnership and care throughout this handover. Together, we’ve worked hard to ensure the service will continue to deliver high-quality support from day one.

“As we once again deliver this vital service, we look forward to building on its strong foundations to help every witness feel safer, more confident, and better prepared for court.”

Victim Support and Citizens Advice have been working closely over the past year to ensure a safe and seamless transition. More than 1,800 Witness Service staff and volunteers are being supported to transfer to Victim Support, and witnesses can continue to expect high quality support in all 224 court locations from 1 April.

Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Minister Alex Davies-Jones said:

“Witnesses are so important to our justice system, and their courage to step forward in court is crucial to bringing perpetrators to justice.

“That’s why we are investing in Victim Support to deliver the Witness Service –providing invaluable support to witnesses in every criminal court. This is part of our record £550 million commitment over the next 3 years – another crucial step towards delivering swifter justice for all victims and halving violence against women and girls in a decade.”

Anyone who is called to give evidence in a criminal court can access support from the Witness Service free of charge.