Navigating the criminal justice system and giving evidence at court can be confusing and stressful. But support is available to you at all stages of the process, including after you’ve given your evidence as a witness.

Here are some ways you can access support after you’ve been to court.

If you need further support once you’ve finished giving evidence as a witness, please speak to us at the Witness Service.

You can return to the witness waiting area in the court building once the judge or magistrate has said you’re free to go. A Witness Service supporter can talk to you about what you’ve experienced and how you’re feeling. They can also answer any questions you may have.

If you feel you may need further support, the Witness Service can refer you to local or national support services or organisations to meet your individual needs.

We can give you more information about:

• The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
• The Victim Contact Scheme.
• Restorative Justice.

We can also support you at the sentencing hearing. We may accompany you in the public gallery while you watch the hearing, and we can also give you time to talk or decompress afterwards in the witness waiting area.

My Support Space is an online resource for victims and witnesses from the independent charity Victim Support. It has been designed to help you manage the impact crime has had on you, to help you cope and move forward.

You can work through interactive guides that address your specific needs. The guides feature videos, techniques, activities and tips to help you explore each topic. You can complete the guides in your own time and at your own pace. Your progress is saved automatically, and you can revisit where you left off at any time.

The content is designed to help you reflect on your feelings and understand how you can support yourself during a difficult time. There’s also information about where and how you can access further support should you need it.

My Support Space is also available for people supporting someone after they’ve experienced crime or trauma. For example, friends, family members, colleagues or neighbours.

For more information, please visit My Support Space.