Question to the Attorney General:

To ask the Solicitor General, what special measures Crown Prosecution Service prosecutors offer to vulnerable witnesses to support them in giving evidence.

Witnesses are eligible to apply for special measures to support them to give their best evidence during criminal proceedings.

Special measures, under the YJCEA, include:

• Screens to prevent the witness seeing or being seen by the defendant
• Video link to enable the witness to give live evidence from outside the trial courtroom
• Evidence given in private
• Removal of wigs and gowns to make proceedings less intimidating
• Video-recorded interviews used as evidence-in-chief
• Pre-recorded cross-examination
• Intermediaries to assist with communication
• Communication aids such as symbol boards

Special Measures play an important role in facilitating access to justice for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses. The Crown Prosecution Service will support witnesses by making an application for the most beneficial special measures when it is appropriate to do so.