NCJ Number
149455
Date Published
1991
Length
73 pages
Annotation
This report presents the results of a 2-year research project conducted for Victim Support, the national charity that helps crime victims in Great Britain, to examine the court experiences of victims and prosecution witnesses and recommend ways to improve victim services.
Abstract
The research was conducted as part of an initiative by Victim Support in which support services for victims and witnesses were organized on a 2-year pilot basis at seven Crown Court centers. Data for the research project came from interviews with almost 500 witnesses who appeared at the courts and from an analysis of the support provided at each court. Findings indicated that a significant proportion of witnesses were satisfied with many aspects of their experience, but many were dissatisfied, confused, upset, or inconvenienced by the process. The two issues of greatest concern were the scarcity of information provided before arriving at court and being left alone with defendants or their associates. These findings reinforced the potential benefits of the court-based services the volunteers aimed to provide. These included advance letters or leaflets, as well as volunteers to remain with victims or witnesses at court. Findings suggested that 2 million pounds might be required to establish a comprehensive court-based service nationally. Tables and 9 references