Helping people with learning disabilities who go to court

Being a witness Helping people with learning disabilities who go to court A guide for carers

Being a witness Helping people with learning disabilities who go to court A guide for carers i

Written by ENABLE Scotland. A special thank you to everyone who contributed to the development of this booklet. Crown copyright 2006 ISBN: 0-7559-5033-X Published by the Scottish Executive, October 2006 The text pages of this document are printed on recycled paper and are 100% recyclable. ii

Contents Page 1. Introduction 1 2. Helping someone with a learning disability to prepare 2 3. Understanding the court process 4 4. What you can do in advance 11 5. What you can do on the day 23 6. What you can do afterwards 26 7. Frequently asked questions 28 8. Where to get more information 30 iii

iv

1. Introduction If you care for someone with a learning disability who has been asked to be a witness and needs to go to court, you may be unsure about what you can do to help them. This booklet covers how to help adult witnesses with learning disabilities who have been asked to be a witness in a criminal court case or at a children s hearing court case. An adult witness is someone aged 16 or over. It contains information that informal carers, care workers and advocacy or other staff may find useful before, during and after the court case. There is a separate booklet for adults with learning disabilities called I am a witness in court. It can be read alongside this booklet. Look out for this symbol. It will tell you where to get more information. Details of all the publications, organisations and sources of help mentioned in the booklet are listed in section 8 Where to get more information. This booklet is not for supporters (one of the special measures for particularly vulnerable witnesses) though it offers some information about whether and when it might be appropriate for carers to act as supporters in court. 1

2. Helping someone with a learning disability to prepare Being a witness can be difficult and stressful for anyone. People rarely know much about what happens in a court. Anyone can feel intimidated and anxious about being questioned in the formal and unfamiliar setting of a court. It may be more stressful for people with learning disabilities and other vulnerable people. They may need clearer information or more emotional or practical assistance. If the person you care for is asked to be a witness, there is a lot you can do to help them prepare for being a witness and going to court. If the witness is a member of your family or a friend it can be very upsetting for you too. You will want to do as much as you can to reduce their fears and worries. There is a lot you can do but you will not be able to do everything for the person. 2

They will still need to talk to lawyers and give their evidence by answering questions. They are the witness and it is important that they tell the court what they know in their own words. If you help the person you care for to understand what it means to be a witness they will be more able to tell the court what they know. You must not at any time: Discuss the evidence that the person will give Coach them in what to say Help them rehearse what to say Show approval or disapproval about what they might say. You must take care not to interfere with a witness s memory of events or discuss their evidence. People with learning disabilities can be more open to influence and pressure. They will often look for the right thing to say and so it is really important that you do not talk to them about their actual evidence. 3

3. Understanding the court process A person can be called to be a witness because they: are a victim of a crime have been accused of a crime saw or heard something that is relevant to the investigation of a crime are involved in a children s hearing court case. The court case This booklet deals only with witnesses in a criminal court case or at a children s hearing court case. A criminal court case can take place at the local sheriff court or at the High Court. A children s hearing court case takes place in the sheriff court and makes decisions about whether there will be a children s hearing for a particular child or children. Before a case gets to court, there will have been an investigation. This includes taking statements from witnesses. The Procurator Fiscal or the Children s Reporter will look at all the information and decide whether to go ahead with a prosecution or hold a children s hearing court case. During the court case, the evidence of witnesses will be heard and tested by other lawyers involved in the case. Being asked to be a witness This is formally known as citing the witness. It means the person has been asked to be a witness and answer questions in a courtroom. In a criminal case, a witness can be cited by the Procurator Fiscal (for the prosecution) or by the defence lawyer acting on behalf of the accused person. In children s hearing court proceedings, a witness is cited by the Children s Reporter or by a lawyer on behalf of the other party in the case. Anyone who is cited to be a witness must attend the court. 4

Rights of victims, witnesses and accused In all court proceedings, the judge or sheriff has a duty to protect the interests of victims and witnesses. If the person is worried about anything or feels intimidated they should tell the person who asked them to be a witness the Procurator Fiscal, lawyer or Children s Reporter as soon as possible. There are national standards for victims that say what victims should be able to expect. This includes access to information in a format that the person can understand. Victims should be treated with dignity and respect at all times. In criminal cases, an accused person has a right to a fair trial. The judge or sheriff has a duty to make sure this happens. National Standards for Victims of Crime. 5

Understanding the court process Who will be in the courtroom in a criminal court case? In a criminal court case the people in the courtroom are: A judge in the High Court and a sheriff in the sheriff court The judge or sheriff is an expert in the law and is in charge of the court. He or she sits at a high desk at the front of the courtroom (known as the bench) and usually wears a gown and a wig. The Procurator Fiscal or Advocate Depute This is the prosecution lawyer who may have asked the person to be a witness. The Procurator Fiscal or Advocate Depute presents the prosecution case against the person charged with a crime. The defence lawyer or lawyers The defence lawyer or counsel acts on behalf of the accused and will test the evidence presented by the prosecution. He or she must look after the accused s interests at all times. A defence lawyer may have asked the person to be a witness. The court clerk He or she sits just below the judge or sheriff and looks after the court papers and records. Court officer The court officer assists the court and lets witnesses know when it is their turn to give evidence. 6

The jury In some cases, it is the jury that decides whether the law has been broken. In Scotland, there are 15 members of the public on a jury. They are chosen at random from the voter s roll. In some criminal cases there is no jury. The accused This is the person who is charged with committing a crime. A witness One witness at a time usually goes into the witness box and gives evidence by answering questions from the Procurator Fiscal and the defence lawyer. People in the public gallery People who work for the newspapers or television and members of the public might be in the public gallery in the courtroom. Who will be in the courtroom in a children s hearing court case? A children s hearing court case takes place in the sheriff court. The proceedings are less formal and there is no jury. The people in the courtroom are: The sheriff The sheriff is an expert in the law and is in charge of the court. In a children s hearing court case, the sheriff decides if there should be a children s hearing for a child. The Children s Reporter The Children s Reporter is the person who presents the children s hearing court case and may have asked the person to be a witness. They look after a child s interests but do not represent the child. Lawyer There may be one or more lawyers in the courtroom on behalf of the other people directly involved in the child s case. They may have asked the person to be a witness. 7

Understanding the court process Other people directly involved The child and parents may be in the room but are not always there. A witness One witness at a time answers questions from the Children s Reporter and the lawyer acting on behalf of the other people directly involved with the child s case. Members of the public are not allowed in the courtroom. Help available for all witnesses If a witness feels anxious about attending court and giving evidence, there are some arrangements that can be made to help them. For example, they may be able to: enter the court building through another entrance wait in a different room from other witnesses ask for extra breaks when giving evidence have a court familiarisation visit in advance. The courts recognise that being a witness is stressful. There are a number of people and organisations that can provide all witnesses with support and information. See section 4 What you can do in advance to find out who to contact. 8

Special measures for particularly vulnerable witnesses There are some special measures available for witnesses who are particularly vulnerable to help support them while they give their evidence. The special measures are: Having a supporter (a support person) sit alongside them while they give their evidence. Giving evidence from behind a screen so they do not have to see the person they are talking about. However, this is not possible when the witness is the accused person. In a criminal case, using a prior statement previously given by the witness as their main evidence, e.g. a previous police statement. The witness still needs to come to court and answer questions about their evidence. Giving evidence from another room or building via a television link-up to the courtroom. 9

Understanding the court process Giving evidence to a commissioner. This is someone appointed by the court to record evidence usually before the court case starts. The evidence is then read out or played back in court during the case. There is no automatic entitlement to these special measures. You may feel the person you care for is particularly vulnerable and would benefit from additional support to help them give their evidence. Talk to the person who asked them to be a witness to find out what help could be considered. If the Procurator Fiscal, lawyer or Children s Reporter feels that the person is particularly vulnerable and would benefit from using a special measure, he or she can submit an application to the court for a special measure to be considered. This application must provide information about the person s vulnerability, which special measure might be helpful and the views of the witness involved. It is for the judge or sheriff to decide if a person is particularly vulnerable, if a special measure would help them to give their evidence and which measures will be used. A person may be able to use more than one special measure, e.g. they might give evidence from behind a screen and have a supporter sitting alongside. Being a witness the use of special measures a booklet for adult witnesses. You will find more information about special measures on pages 14 17. 10

4. What you can do in advance Here are some things you can do before the court case. You can find out how the court works The person you care for may never have been in a court before. It can help if you and they understand how the court works and the importance of a witness giving their evidence. There are organisations that can help to answer your questions. You can help the person to obtain the information they need and make sure that it is in a form they can understand. You could contact: the person who has cited the witness, e.g. Procurator Fiscal, lawyer or the Children s Reporter Victim Information and Advice (only in some criminal cases) This is part of the Procurator Fiscal service to help vulnerable witnesses, including victims of serious crime and their relatives. the Witness Service The Witness Service offers information and practical support to all criminal case witnesses and their families while attending court. Victim Support Scotland This organisation offers support to victims, witnesses and others affected by crime. You can help the person you care for by talking to some of these people or agencies and keeping a note of how to contact them. Details of all these organisations are on page 30. There is accessible information available that explains what it means to be a witness and about going to court. You and the person you care for will find it very helpful if you look at some of these booklets and resources together. 11

What you can do in advance I am a witness in court An easy-read booklet for people with learning disabilities. Being a witness: a guide for child and adult vulnerable witnesses A CD Rom that includes useful information about going to court, video clips of witnesses giving evidence in court and using special measures, and a virtual tour of a courtroom. What happens next? A DVD resource for people with learning disabilities that provides information from when a crime is committed through to appearing in court and giving evidence. 12

You can help the witness to visit the court Not all courts are the same and different types of court cases can work slightly differently. A court familiarisation visit is usually the best way to help people prepare for being a witness. If a person is nervous this can help to reduce their anxiety. They can find out what the court looks like, who will be in the court and what to expect. As a result they may be more able to give their evidence. Ask the Witness Service to arrange a court familiarisation visit or speak to the person who has cited the witness to arrange this. If Victim Information and Advice are involved you can ask for their help. You can go with the witness when they visit the court. Court familiarisation visits take place when the courtroom is empty. The witness may also find it helpful to go and see a court in action. You can do this by sitting in the public gallery during a court case. The court staff will be able to tell you what is possible. After getting information and visiting the court, you can help the person go over some of the information and think about things like: Will they swear an oath or take an affirmation? How do they feel about their address being read out in court? What additional help would they find useful? Will they be able to tell the court what they know? Do they want to be considered for one of the special measures? 13

What you can do in advance If yes to the question above, then which special measure and how do they think it will help them give their evidence? Is there anything that continues to confuse or worry them? It may be helpful to have more than one visit so that the person becomes comfortable with the court setting and the people there. You can contact the Procurator Fiscal, lawyer or Children s Reporter with relevant information The witness may have specific difficulties or needs that might affect their ability to give their evidence. It is important to inform the person who asked them to be a witness about any: communication skills and abilities concentration levels mobility or physical difficulties that affect their ability to attend court and stand for any length of time medication requirements need for frequent breaks concerns, fears or worries about being a witness. You can help to identify the person as a potential vulnerable witness A person with a learning disability might be considered as a particularly vulnerable witness and may qualify to use one or more special measures while they give their evidence. Adult witnesses do not have automatic entitlement to use special measures so it is important to identify 14

a potentially vulnerable witness as early as possible. It may not be obvious that the person you care for is particularly vulnerable. Make sure that the Procurator Fiscal, lawyer or Children s Reporter is aware of any individual needs or concerns that the witness may have. The person citing the witness (Procurator Fiscal, other lawyer or the Children s Reporter) will decide whether to make an application to the court for the witness to use a special measure. The judge or sheriff then decides if someone is vulnerable and if a special measure will assist the person to give evidence. The judge or sheriff will consider if anything will affect the witness s ability to tell the court all of their evidence and whether the evidence will make sense and be accurate. In trying to decide if a witness should be considered particularly vulnerable, the judge or the sheriff will look for evidence of any significant risk that the quality of the evidence to be given by the witness will be affected by: mental disorder (e.g. learning disability, mental health problem or personality disorder) fear or distress in connection with giving their evidence. The judge or the sheriff will look at the information in the application including any communication difficulties or behaviour that indicates any possible vulnerability that may affect the ability of the witness to give their evidence. 15

What you can do in advance The judge or sheriff will also consider: the nature and circumstances of the alleged offence the kind of evidence the witness is likely to give the relationship between the witness and the accused the age and maturity of the witness any behaviour towards the witness by the accused, other witnesses or other persons any disability or impairment that the witness has. These factors do not automatically mean the person is vulnerable and therefore entitled to use special measures. The judge or sheriff will need to weigh up the impact of any of these factors on the witness s ability to give evidence and decide whether there is a significant risk that the quality of a witness s evidence will be affected. Also it is important to note that because someone has a learning disability this does not necessarily mean that they will need to use a special measure. You can explain special measures to the witness If the Procurator Fiscal, lawyer or Children s Reporter makes an application to the court for a special measure they must include the views of the witness. You can help make sure that the witness understands what the special measures are and what is involved in each. Make sure the witness is aware that they may not qualify for a special measure and that it is ultimately up to the sheriff or judge to decide. 16

I am a witness in court an easyread booklet for people with learning disabilities. Being a witness the use of special measures a booklet for adult witnesses. Being a witness: a guide for child and adult vulnerable witnesses a CD Rom that includes useful information about going to court, video clips of witnesses giving evidence in court and using special measures, and a virtual tour of a courtroom. Think about the following: Will the person feel intimidated by seeing the accused in court? Will they feel intimidated by being in the witness box on their own? Will they need some kind of reassurance in court? Is there a chance that they will be unable to remember what happened if a lot of time passes between the event and the court case? Do they have a communication difficulty that will make it harder for them to give evidence? Be careful not to raise expectations as this may cause extra stress to the witness if the judge or sheriff does not grant any special measures. The person you care for may not want to use a special measure to help them give their evidence. They can make this clear when they are asked for their views. However, the court may ultimately decide that the quality of the witness s evidence is at risk because of their vulnerability and request that they use a special measure. 17

What you can do in advance Whether a witness qualifies for a special measure or not, there are many ways that you can help to reduce their anxiety about going to court. This includes helping them to obtain information, arranging court familiarisation visits and giving them your continued reassurance. You can help the witness deal with the citation The witness will be sent an official letter (a citation ) telling them when and where they must appear in court. Make sure that they know the date, time and place and that they must attend. Tell the person who cited them immediately if there is any important reason that makes it difficult for the witness to attend on that particular date. inform their employer or care provider that they need time off on the day of the court case. Make sure this is done in advance so that any difficulties about dates can be sorted out at an early stage. Giving evidence is important. Witnesses must turn up on the day requested. If a person does not turn up, the court may issue a summons or a warrant for their arrest. If the person you care for has a job or attends a day service they may need to 18

You can help the witness take part in precognition Before the court date, the witness may be sent a letter or telephoned and asked to attend a meeting with the Procurator Fiscal, defence lawyer or other lawyer or Children s Reporter. During the meeting a statement will be taken from the witness. This statement is called precognition. This is normal procedure and allows the lawyers to prepare for the court case. The witness may be asked to take part in more than one precognition meeting to enable both sides in the case to prepare. The meeting might take place at the lawyer s office or at the home of the witness. A precognition meeting with the Procurator Fiscal will usually take place at the Procurator Fiscal s office. If there is any difficulty with the meeting place that has been suggested, you can speak to the person who is arranging the meeting and try to negotiate a suitable alternative. 19

What you can do in advance The Procurator Fiscal, lawyer, Children s Reporter or their representative will usually speak to the witness alone. However, they will also want to ensure that any witness can understand the questions and to assist witnesses to respond fully and accurately. The person arranging the meeting may contact carers in advance to clarify the witness s level of understanding and ability to communicate and, in exceptional circumstances, may ask the carer to be present. This will not be possible if the carer is also a witness in the case or if there are any concerns that having someone else present might affect the interview and the evidence. In some cases, an appropriate adult may be present at the precognition interview. Their role is to facilitate communication and to provide support and reassurance for an individual who may have learning disabilities. If the witness has any questions or worries about a precognition meeting, speak to the person who has cited them to be a witness. You can find out where the court is and what facilities it has Information about your local court and court facilities can be found at http://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/ locations/index.asp This includes an information sheet, photo of the court, local transport, street map with location of the court, where to report on arrival, refreshment facilities, and contact details. You can search by court or by town. If you do not have access to the internet, contact the court where the witness will be attending and ask for this information. You can offer reassurance If the person is a victim they may be especially nervous or worried about going to court. They may not want 20

to see the accused or have to tell a lot of people what happened to them. They may feel ashamed or fearful. You can offer support and reassurance. Sometimes, victims may need professional counselling while waiting for the case to go to court. There is a risk that this may affect their evidence. If you think the person you care for would benefit from counselling, speak to the person who asked them to be a witness and find out what is possible. All witnesses may worry about the questions they will be asked in court. Remind the witness that: witnesses do an important job it is important to always tell the truth it is important to say as much as they can remember even where this is upsetting or if it has been a secret 21

What you can do in advance the lawyers will ask them questions about what happened or about what they know the lawyers may repeat the same questions in slightly different ways to test the evidence. The witness should just keep telling the truth if they don t understand any of the questions they should say so. They can ask the lawyer to say the question in an easier way if they don t remember or don t know the answer, they should just say I don t know or I can t remember. They should not guess or agree when they do not understand or do not agree with what is being said the witness must not discuss their evidence with you or anyone else except the lawyers involved in the court case or their representatives. You can find a source of support for yourself You may find that helping someone with a learning disability to be a witness is also stressful and upsetting for you especially if they have been a victim of a crime or are accused of one. Make sure that you have a source of support and advice for yourself. Carers can contact the Witness Service or Victim Support Scotland for advice. You can also speak to the person who cited the witness or the Victim Information and Advice officer. Your local carers group may also be able to provide or link you to sources of emotional support. If you do know anything about the case, you must not discuss this with anyone. 22

5. What you can do on the day Here are some things you can do on the day of the court case. You can go with the witness to court On the day of the court case you can go with the witness to the court and wait with them until they are called to give their evidence. They should take the citation letter with them and report to the main reception desk unless they have made a different arrangement in advance with the Witness Service or court official. There may be other witnesses in the waiting room. The person must not discuss their evidence with other witnesses. Once the person has been called to give evidence you may be able to stay in the waiting room until they have finished or go and sit in the public gallery. In children s hearing court cases, you will not be allowed into the courtroom. Ask the Witness Service or court staff what is possible. You can be prepared for a long wait There may be a lot of waiting and it can be boring. Take refreshments if the court has no facilities and something to read or do while waiting. It is best not to take anything noisy. 23

What you can do on the day You may be a supporter (one of the special measures) The court may have decided that the witness is particularly vulnerable and they can have a supporter with them while they give their evidence. The witness can suggest who they would like to be their supporter but the final decision is up to the judge or sheriff. It can be a good idea if the supporter is someone that the person knows. It is possible for a family member, or other carer who is not a witness in the case, to be the supporter if the judge or sheriff agrees. A supporter sits alongside the person while they give their evidence. A supporter must behave neutrally and not influence the witness in any way. If the judge or sheriff agrees that you can be the supporter, you are not allowed to speak to or touch the witness or indicate your opinion of their evidence, e.g. by nodding or shaking your head, or smiling. Before agreeing to be the supporter think about whether you will be able to remain neutral and emotionally detached. 24

Depending on the circumstances of the case and your relationship with the witness, this can be difficult. It may be better for someone else to be the supporter, e.g. someone from the Witness Service or other voluntary organisation. If you are also a witness in the case, you will not be allowed to act as a supporter unless you have already given your own evidence. If you already know too much information about the court case, you may not be suitable to be the supporter. If it is agreed that you can be the supporter, ask the person who cited the witness for guidance on the role and behaviour of a supporter. Ask them to explain what you can and cannot do in court. Being a witness the use of special measures a booklet for adult witnesses. You can think about sitting in the public gallery You may be able to go into the public gallery and watch the court case. The person you are caring for may be reassured by knowing that you are in the courtroom even if you cannot sit near them when they give their evidence. On the other hand, they may prefer for you to wait outside while they give their evidence. Ask them what they would prefer. You will not be able to sit in the public gallery if you are a witness in the case and have still to give your evidence. Sometimes the court is cleared and no members of the public are allowed into the courtroom. This happens in children s hearing court cases. Check with the Witness Service or court staff if you can sit in the public gallery. 25

6. What you can do afterwards Here are some things you can do after the person has finished giving their evidence. You can reassure the witness While good preparation and support can make giving evidence easier, some people may still find it stressful and upsetting. Tell them they did well and that they did an important job. Remind them that without witnesses like them, the courts could not work properly. Remind them that they are not responsible for what the court decides. You can help the witness claim expenses The witness may be entitled to expenses for fares, loss of earnings or childcare. Details of what can be claimed, and how, are on the back of the citation form. Expenses are usually only available to witnesses but it may be possible for carers to claim expenses in certain circumstances. The person who cited the witness will be able to give more information about what is possible to claim. You can help the witness find out the outcome of the case Court cases can take days or weeks. Once a witness has given their evidence they will be told they can go home and do not need to go to court again unless they are recalled for any reason. At the end of the case, there will be a verdict or a decision about what happened and what will happen next. 26

In criminal cases, the person who cited the witness will be able to tell you the outcome of the court case. After a children s hearing court case, the information available about children may be restricted. You can follow up any need for counselling Once the person has given their evidence, it may be possible to arrange professional counselling if this is required. The witness s doctor or Victim Support Scotland may be able to provide advice about how to obtain counselling. You can follow up a claim for compensation if appropriate If the person has been a victim of a crime they may be eligible for Criminal Injuries Compensation. Ask Victim Support Scotland for advice about this or contact the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. A case does not need to come to court for a claim to be made. 27

7. Frequently asked questions What do you call the judge? If the judge is male then he is called My Lord or Sir. If the judge is female then she is called My Lady or Madam. What is the difference between swearing an oath and an affirmation? A religious oath means that the witness promises to tell the truth in the name of God according to their religious beliefs. An affirmation means that their promise to tell the truth is made to the court without any reference to any religious beliefs. Each is equally significant and the court regards each as having the same meaning. Can a witness prevent their address being read out in court? A witness will not normally be asked to give out their address in the courtroom unless it is linked to where the crime took place. The witness can give their address as care of the police or it can be written down. This should be arranged in advance. Speak to the person who cited the witness. What should I say to the person who is going to be a witness if they start to talk to me about their evidence? Tell them they should not discuss their evidence with you. They should talk to the person who asked them to be a witness. What should I do if the person is worried about something? This may depend on what the witness is worried about. If they are worried about what happens in court then ask about a court familiarisation visit or talk to the Witness Service. If they are worried or scared about telling their evidence then speak to the person who asked them to be a witness. 28

What should I do if I have any information about the witness which I think may affect their ability to give their evidence? Tell the person who asked them to be a witness. Make sure the person citing the witness has enough information about the witness s fears, communication needs, vocabulary or relevant health problems. You may also be able to talk to Victim Information and Advice if they are providing support. What happens if I am also a witness? If you are a witness in the same case then you cannot be a supporter or sit in the public gallery until after you have given your own evidence in court. You cannot be present when the person you care for is taking part in a precognition meeting. You must also be very careful not to discuss your evidence with the person or any other witnesses. What should I do if I notice the person I care for is giving evidence and becoming increasingly upset? If this happens while they are waiting to give evidence then tell a court official or the Witness Service. If it happens while they are giving evidence and you think the judge or lawyers have not noticed then pass a note explaining the problem to the person who cited the witness. The witness might benefit from an extra break or the judge or sheriff may reconsider if the witness is vulnerable and would benefit from a special measure to help them give their evidence. I m supporting a witness with a learning disability who is the accused person. What happens if they are found guilty and sent to prison? The Scottish Prisoner s Families Helpline provides information or a listening ear for support. See page 31 for contact details. 29

8. Where to get more information Sources of Information or Support The Procurator Fiscal s office The address should be on the citation sent by the Fiscal s office to the witness. The lawyer or Children s Reporter who cited the witness Their contact details should be on the letter sent to the person asking them to be a witness. Scottish Court Service For details of your local court try the business section of your local telephone directory under the heading Courts or search http://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/ locations/index.asp Victim Information and Advice (VIA) http://www.crownoffice.gov.uk/ Victims/VIA/via-services/Overview VIA can offer information and advice about the criminal justice system to some victims and witnesses. Only the Procurator Fiscal can refer people to this service. Victim Support Scotland 15/23 Hardwell Close Edinburgh EH8 9RX Tel: 0131 668 4486 Victim Support Scotland Helpline Tel: 0845 6039213 [lo-call rate] Mon-Thurs 9am 4.30pm; Fri 9am 4pm. email: info@victimsupportsco.demon.co.uk http://www.victimsupportsco.demon.uk Victim Support Scotland supports victims in criminal cases and runs the Witness Service in Scotland Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) Tay House, 300 Bath Street Glasgow G2 4LN Tel: 0141 331 2726 http://www.cica.gov.uk CICA can pay compensation to people who are victims of violent crime. 30

Families Outside 19a Albany Street Edinburgh EH1 3QN Scottish Prisoner s Families Helpline Freephone: 0500 83 93 83 Mon-Fri 1pm 5pm email: spfh@familiesoutside.org.uk http://www.familiesoutside.org.uk Families Outside supports families affected by imprisonment. ENABLE Scotland 6th Floor 7 Buchanan Street Glasgow G1 3HL Tel: 0141 226 4541 Enquiry line open Mon-Fri 1pm 4pm email: info@enable.org.uk http://www.enable.org.uk ENABLE Scotland Information Service provides information on learning disability issues, particularly rights and services. Publications Being a witness: a guide for child and adult vulnerable witnesses A CD Rom that includes useful information about going to court, video clips of witnesses giving evidence in court and using special measures, as well as a virtual tour of a courtroom. This is also available in DVD format. Published by: The Scottish Executive Available from: tel: 0131 244 2213 Being a witness going to court A booklet for adult witnesses in criminal and children s hearing court proceedings. Published by: The Scottish Executive Available from: tel: 0131 244 2213 Download at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/topics/ Justice/criminal/17416/ InformationMaterials 31

Where to get more information Being a witness the use of special measures A booklet for adult witnesses in criminal and children s hearing court proceedings. Published by: The Scottish Executive Available from: tel: 0131 244 2213 Download at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/topics/ Justice/criminal/17416/ InformationMaterials What happens next? A DVD resource for people with learning disabilities Published by: Lanarkshire ACE, Speak Out Advocacy Project Available from: tel: 01355 230202 National Standards for Victims of Crime Information leaflet Published by: The Scottish Executive Available from: tel: 0131 244 2213 Download at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/ Publications/2005/02/20746/53358 Victims of Crime in Scotland A Scottish Executive website with information for victims http://www.scottishvictimsofcrime.co.uk I am a witness in court a guide for people with learning disabilities An easy-read booklet Published by: The Scottish Executive Available from: tel: 0131 244 2213 Download at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/ Topics/Justice/criminal/17416/ InformationMaterials 32

Further copies of this document are available, on request, in audio, large print format and in community languages. Please contact 0131 244 2213. Dokument dost_pny jest tak_e na kasetach, w wersji z powi_kszonym drukiem oraz w innych wersjach j_zykowych. Crown copyright 2006 ISBN 0-7559-5033-X Produced for the Scottish Executive by Astron B46035 10/06 Further copies are available by telephoning: 0131 244 2213 This document is also available on the Scottish Executive website: www.scotland.gov.uk/topics/justice/criminal/17416/informationmaterials 9 780755 950331 w w w. s c o t l a n d. g o v. u k