Information for Victims and Witnesses
What Can VWCCS Do for Victims and Witnesses of Crime?
VWCCS supports victims and witnesses of crime who are required to testify at court as police witnesses. Our role is to help you through the sometimes daunting process of giving evidence in court so you feel more confident and better informed. We can help demystify court procedures and legal terminology and can be with you in court while you are giving evidence, if you wish us to do so.
VWCCS Court Support Officers (CSO) can:
- Explain to you the role of a police witness and the court process.
- Inform you of your rights under the Charter of Victims Rights.
- Accompany and support you during any conferences relating to the crime.
- Explain legal terminology.
- Liaise with the prosecutor and police.
- Explain to you the serious consequences of contamination of evidence.
- Meet you at court and accompany you to a safe room.
- Be with you, if you wish, whilst you are giving evidence.
- Continue to support and assist you if the matter is adjourned and listed for another hearing date.
- Remain with you if you wish to stay in Court after you have given evidence.
- Explain and, if you wish, assist with your Victim Impact Statement.
- Provide information about services that provide free counselling, compensation and other support.
What Can VWCCS NOT Do?
We cannot:
- Give legal advice.
- Discuss evidence with you before or during the hearing or between breaks or adjournments.
- Assist you to give evidence.
- Take notes in court.
- Speak during the Court hearing unless the Judge or Magistrate asks the volunteer a question.
Resources
Top 10 Tips – a VWCCS guide to giving evidence in court (PDF file)
Victims Services (NSW Department of Justice) provides support and information to victims of crime. On this site you can find information about:
- the Charter of Victims Rights
- Financial Support
- Counselling
- the Justice Journey – an excellent guide for victims of crime
- Victim Impact Statements
- Justice Reform Summary Factsheet
- Encouraging Early Guilty Pleas Factsheet
- Stronger Sentencing Factsheet
- Strengthening Parole Factsheet
- Better Management of High Risk Offenders Factsheet
- Consultation Timings Factsheet
Free legal advice through The Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre
Other Links
Resources
Locations
VWCCS has rooms at several NSW courts in Sydney, Parramatta, Bathurst, and Orange. We can also assist witnesses at other locations if we are contacted beforehand.
Testimonials
“Thank you so much for taking the time to talk me through the whole court process – it was very helpful & has gone a long way to making me feel calmer & more confident…”
Contact Us
You can visit the VWCCS Reception and Information desk at the Downing Centre Courts (Sydney) or Parramatta Local, Childrens and District Courts. You can also contact us via phone, email, or by completing a contact form on this website.