NSPCC calls for better support for child witnesses

The NSPCC is calling for urgent action to ensure young witnesses giving evidence in criminal courts are supported properly.

NSPCC lawyer Barbara Esam said: "The justice system already has measures available to help children give their best evidence and reduce as much stress as possible.  But some courts are still not putting them into practice, leaving children as young as four bewildered and frightened when they give evidence.  Every court needs to implement these policies and procedures so their welfare can be protected and offenders brought to justice.

"It takes great courage for a child to give evidence and help bring offenders to justice, so everything should be done to assist, not deter them from taking this brave step.  Many children describe how frightening and stressful the experience is." 

The NSPCC is calling for:

• Local Criminal Justice Boards to collect data showing; how many children give evidence in their courts; how often there are delays and how long children have to wait to give evidence.  
• Intermediaries to be used whenever children need help to understand questions and who can intervene when they believe the child is confused by complicated language
• The Government must close the gap between policy and practice so child witnesses and the criminal justice system can benefit from the procedures that are designed to achieve justice.
  

Barbara Esam said: "The NSPCC has been calling for better conditions for young witnesses for many years but is seems many children are still being seriously let down. This is deeply worrying and needs to be addressed urgently."

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