Victims & Witnesses
Supporting Vulnerable and Intimidated Witnesses: A Witness Support Pack
This pack is aimed at professionals working in community safety to enable them to manage and re-locate vulnerable and intimidated witnesses. It was written because of the difficult experiences of witnesses giving evidence against the perpetrators of hate crimes and domestic violence on behalf of social landlords in Waltham Forest. The experiences of case investigators who spend many hours supporting witnesses through traumatic events are also taken into account.
The Witness Support Pack was produced in partnership by the London Borough of Waltham Forest, Waltham Forest Housing Association and the Metropolitan Police Service. It is the first scheme of its type in Britain, and was based upon the results of a successful pilot project, carried out in the year 2000. The project was match funded by the Housing Corporation with an Innovation and Good Practice Grant.
Although the pilot project concentrated on witnesses giving evidence against hate crime and domestic violence, it also applies to any witness identified as vulnerable or intimidated. A structured methodology is used and the pack is designed to allow the fast-tracking of witnesses to safe re-locations and the fast-track delivery of support services.
The pack will be updated regularly, and Community Safety Partnerships will be able to use and adapt it to local circumstances.
Included in the pack:
Witness Mobility Scheme Protocol
Current Procedure Document
Nomination Form and Risk Assessment Referral Assessment Form
Guidance Notes on Supporting Vulnerable and Intimidated Witnesses
Use of Covert Technical Equipment
Outline of the Friends of ALERT Befriending Scheme
Templates in Word format.
Last update: 12/09/03