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Special measure - using a supporter
Many witnesses who are feeling vulnerable may feel very isolated when giving their evidence and can sometimes be reassured by having someone sitting near them, either in the courtroom or in the television link room. This person is known as a supporter. They can support you just by being present when you are giving your evidence.
Your supporter can also offer support and reassurance to you before you give your evidence and, if the court allows, they can keep you company during any breaks.
However, your supporter cannot help you with any part of your evidence. They must not interfere, or try to influence your evidence in any way. When sitting near you whilst you give your evidence, they must not try to prompt you or interrupt you whilst you are giving your evidence.
If the person citing you as a witness is making an application to use this special measure, you can tell them who you would like as your supporter, although the final decision will be made by the court.
Most witnesses prefer to have someone they know, and will feel comfortable with, when giving their evidence.
Here are some things you may want to consider when deciding who might be your supporter:
- If your preferred supporter is also cited as a witness, they won't be able to act as your supporter unless they have finished giving their own evidence;
- You should try to think about how your supporter might react if they hear your evidence. For example, you may want to protect certain family or friends from hearing the details of your evidence. If you think they might get upset or angry in court, this may also upset you. You may decide that it is best for you to have someone from outside your family;
- The person you wish to have as a supporter may already know too many details about the case and the court may think they could have an influence on what you say. In some cases, the court may not approve your preferred supporter because of this;
- You may already be supported by someone from a specialist support organisation or social work department and wish to nominate them.
The person citing you as a witness should be able to offer you some advice and help you to choose a supporter. In some criminal cases, VIA or the Witness Service may discuss this with you.
It is always important to remember that your supporter cannot help you with your evidence and cannot answer any questions for you in court.
If the court has allowed you to have a supporter, your supporter will be able to sit along side you when you are using any of the other special measures approved by the court.
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