Help Support Court Witnesses (contributed)

POTENTIALLY one of the most crucial ways in which you may become involved with the court system is as a witness.
If you see or hear a crime happening then you could be called upon to give evidence in court about it.
Many people feel frightened by the thought of this. Often people find the courtroom a bewildering and intimidating place, and feel terrified at the thought of taking the stand and facing cross-examination.

However the Witness Service exists to smooth the process and make it less of an ordeal. Trained volunteers will provide information about the procedure of the court, offer emotional support to the witness and even accompany them into the courtroom. All these services are free. We do not, however, discuss the evidence or give legal advice.

The Witness Service is there not just to help and reassure witnesses of crime, but also to offer support to victims of crime and their friends and family who are attending court. The Witness Service supports all prosecution and defense witnesses, but not defendants in their particular case.

Witness Service and is currently looking for more volunteers to develop and strengthen the service in Oxfordshire Magistrates Courts. Volunteers can be young or old and from all backgrounds. You don?t need any prior experience of the criminal justice system as this will be covered in the comprehensive training that all volunteers must undertake. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please ring Lucy Humpris on 01993 708 147 or email witness-service.oxford@uk.uumail.com