Next Steps for Special Measures: a Review of the Provision of Special Measures to Vulnerable and Intimidated Witnesses

Special measures are a series of provisions that help vulnerable and intimidated witnesses to give their best evidence in court and help to relieve some of the stress and anxiety associated with giving evidence. Under the Victims Code, all witnesses have the right to have their needs assessed by a police officer and the Witness Care Unit, a unit within the police force.

This review explores the current provision of special measures, from the initial assessment of witnesses’ needs all the way to trial. Drawing on testimony from criminal justice professionals and victim support services, it outlines victims’ and witness’ wider experiences of court and special measures, including during Covid, and makes 21 recommendations on how to improve the provision of special measures and address barriers to access.