About the Witness Service

Giving evidence as a witness can be daunting and the court process can be complicated and difficult to understand.

The Citizens Advice Witness Service provides free and independent support for both prosecution and defence witnesses in every criminal court in England and Wales.

Get help from the Witness Service

Our trained volunteers provide practical information about the court process. They can also give emotional support to help witnesses feel more confident when giving evidence.

We can:

  • provide information about the court process

  • show witnesses the courtroom before the trial

  • be there to talk to in confidence

  • accompany witnesses when they give their evidence

  • give support on the day of the trial - at verdict and sentencing

  • help prepare witnesses who need extra support - at their home or another safe place

  • help witnesses claim expenses

  • work with other agencies to make sure the right support is provided

  • refer witnesses to our partner organisations - including local Citizens Advice, for support with other issues before, during or after the trial

Complete our referral form to get support from the Witness Service - someone from our team will be in touch.

How can we help?

Find out about going to court as a witness

You can also find out more about the process of going to court as a witness - from preparing for the trial to getting support afterwards.If you’re going to court and are worried about coronavirus, read the latest guidance on GOV.UK.

Help support the Witness Service

You can support the work of the Witness Service by becoming a volunteer or making a donation.

Volunteer for the Witness Service

We’re always looking for volunteers who are friendly, empathetic and non-judgemental to help support witnesses. Read about being a volunteer for Citizens Advice Witness Service.

Make a donation to the Witness Service

The Witness Service supports almost 90,000 witness every year across England and Wales. Read about making a donation to support future witnesses.