The government is committed to improving the protection during the criminal justice process for vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, including children. This document is issued as part of ‘Action for Justice’, the implementation programme for the ‘Speaking Up for Justice’ report. Following the report, the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 set out a range of special measures to assist vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, including children to give their best evidence in criminal proceedings.
This guidance is intended to assist those conducting video-recorded interviews with such witnesses as well as giving guidance to those who are tasked with preparing and supporting such witnesses throughout the criminal justice process. Volume 2 includes comprehensive guidance on witness support and preparation, and witnesses at court.