UCL Union

Going to court as a witness or as the victim of a crime can be a worrying experience, particularly if it is your first time and you don't know what to expect. Our procedures can be confusing. The witness Service helps witnesses, victims, their families and friends before, during and after a hearing. It is run by Victim Support, the national charity which helps people cope with crime. The service is free and confidential. Trained volunteers provide emotional support and practical information about court proceedings. The witness service helps witnesses who are called to give evidence, including defence witnesses, victims of crime and their families and friends attending court for any reason, and children as well as adults. Victim Support offers a service to all sections of the community and is committed to ensuring that minority and disadvantaged groups are welcomed and involved throughout the organisation. The Witness Service can offer; someone to talk to in confidence, a visit to the court centre and, where possible, a look round a courtroom, information on court procedure, a quiet place for witnesses to wait before and during the hearing, someone to accompany witnesses into the courtroom, information on court procedure, a quiet place for witnesses to wait before and during the hearing, someone to accompany witnesses into the courtroom whilst they give evidence, practical help with expense forms, put witnesses in touch with people who can answer specific questions about witnesses cases and a chance to talk over the case when it has ended. We receive on a monthly basis a newsletter, which details any job vacancies within Victim Support. If any volunteers are interested in looking for paid positions I will be happy to provide them with a copy of the newsletter. We have had several volunteers leave us for paid employment within Victim Support.