If your case goes to court
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases that have been investigated by the police.
If someone is arrested and charged, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will decide whether to prosecute and take your case to court.
The Criminal Justice System
The Criminal Justice System is one of the biggest public services in the country. It is made up of agencies such as the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, courts, prisons and probation, all working together to deliver criminal justice in England and Wales.
The Witness Care Unit takes care of victims and witnesses from the point when someone is charged with the crime to the end of the case. They inform witnesses about the progress of their case, make any arrangements for witnesses going to court and offer support.
If your case goes to court, you will be contacted before the trial by the Witness Care Unit. They will be your single point of contact from then on, and will inform and support you at court.
Some witnesses who feel intimidated or vulnerable, because they are young or disabled for example, may need help giving evidence. In these cases, witnesses may be entitled to special measures. This could involve placing a screen between the witness box and the defendant or giving evidence with the help of a specialist.
Protecting you against harassment
If you are harassed or threatened in any way during an investigation or a trial, you should contact the police immediately. It is a criminal offence to intimidate anyone helping the police in an investigation. If the offender has been caught, remanded in custody, released on bail or convicted, the criminal court can make a restraining order to stop them coming near you, threatening you or intimidating you again.