Witnesses will be told what will be required of them in court

BBC News Online examines how witness care units have helped victims and witnesses face the ordeal of going to court.

Helen, a victim of domestic violence, was anxious about possible reprisals from her ex-lover in the run-up to his trial, fearing for her own safety and that of her young daughter.

Her ex-partner was in custody at the time, because of a different matter, but she was reluctant to testify in court because she was afraid of what he would do upon release.

At the unit, she was offered a range of security measures for her home including a personal attack alarm and a panic button, but she was still too afraid to attend court.

Helen was already on the housing waiting list because she was desperate to move to an area where her ex-partner would not be able to find her.

The unit contacted the local housing department to reassure her a move would definitely take place before her ex-partner's release from prison.

Helen then felt confident enough to give crucial evidence in court.

Vanessa, 15, was indecently assaulted by a relative's boyfriend while she was babysitting. The incident caused a family rift.

Vanessa received intimidating calls and text messages from one relative who did not believe her claims and she became extremely traumatised.

After an initial assessment at the witness care unit, she was given counselling through Victim Support and was also taken on a pre-trial court visit to familiarise herself with the surroundings.

The police officer in charge of the case spoke to Vanessa's family to stop further intimidation and the witness care unit made sure she was able to give evidence through a video link.

A witness care officer put Vanessa and her mother in touch with the Witness Service who supported them in court on the day of her trial, arranging for them to be met at a side entrance to avoid contact with anyone from the defence side.