From 25th August 2020, vulnerable victims of domestic abuse will no longer have to face their abuser in court. They can give pre-recorded evidence in a new move that will help prevent further trauma and help victims offer their best evidence to court.
This seems like a simple change but I am sure it will make a huge difference to the many victims of these crimes that used to have to stand up and speak in front of the very person that had hurt them. I have seen first-hand the impact that going to court can have – the buildings are quite intimidating, the process is daunting and then having to give evidence in person all leads to a huge build up of stress on the day – and we know that when you are so stressed, you can’t think clearly, you become more emotional and therefore you are probably not going to offer the clearest or most accurate account of the events in question.
To read more, see here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-53861336
If you have been a victim of a criminal offence due to domestic abuse I can support you through the process – from liasing with police, to supporting you in person at Court and debriefing the criminal process with you so you understand exactly what is happening throughout.
I hope this move leads to more people willing to give evidence, more abusers being held accountable and better results in Court for victims of domestic abuse.
