Matthew's story - being a witness
Victim Support's Witness Service helped Matthew (aged 12) when he witnessed a crime being committed. He was asked to attend court and give evidence, as he had seen a group vandalising a children's playground.
Matthew visited the court before the trial so he could see what it was like. On the day of the trial, Matthew and his parents were met at the court by a Witness Service volunteer. The Witness Service volunteer answered all of Matthew's questions and explained to him what was likely to happen on the day.
They all waited together in a private room until the case was called. Matthew gave his evidence to the court. He was happy to know that the Witness Service volunteer was sitting at the back of the courtroom during his evidence.
Matthew was really pleased after he had given his evidence. He was thanked for being brave enough to come along. Matthew said, "I was really nervous about coming to court today but the Witness Service volunteer was really friendly and helped me a lot".
Contact
your local office,
call Victim Supportline on 0845 30 30 900 or email us at
supportline@victimsupport.org.uk