Support with the court process:

We provide support for people affected by domestic violence and abuse and who are  attending court.

We work with victims and witnesses of domestic violence and/or abuse who are asked to attend court to give evidence.

Once a referral is received we will contact the victim/witness to see what support we are able to offer and what they need.

We will ensure a risk assessment has been completed, discuss any appropriate safety planning as well as identify any other support needed.

We will also explain when the first court hearing will be and how the contact will be made to ensure that the victim/witness gets the results from the court as soon as possible.

We will give information on the different plea options:

Guilty plea – If the defendant pleads guilty then the court would normally make a date for sentencing and will ask for a Pre Sentence Report (PSR) from probation. The PSR helps the court to make a decision for sentencing.

Not guilty plea- If the defendant pleads not guilty at first hearing this would then go to a virtual hearing. This virtual hearing is to make a date for a trial as all witnesses will need to be asked about which dates they cannot do. Victim and perpetrator will not need to attend this virtual hearing.

Another hearing that may be held is called a Newton Hearing. This is held when the defendant has pleaded guilty but the magistrates feel there is question about a particular part of the offence. The Newton Hearing is like a trial but the court is only discussing the part of the offence that is in dispute. This hearing is called so that the magistrates can hear
what happened from both parties.

Witness Care will send out all information before the trial to all witnesses on dates, times, venue and how to claim expenses.

If needed we will provide support during any court appearance and have a range of things we are able to offer to make the day easier.