Being a witness
What happens?
You are likely to be called as a witness.
Your police officer in charge or court victim advisor will tell you when and where you need to be at court. You will also get an official notice delivered to you at home.
Before you go to court, the prosecutor for the case will talk with you about what you need to do as a witness, and what to expect. The court victim advisor or prosecutor can also arrange for you to visit the courtroom beforehand so you can see what a courtroom looks like and where you will be when you give evidence.
Being a witness can be a very stressful experience. There can be special arrangements for victims of sexual violence giving evidence, for instance you can have a screen between you and the person accused of the crime, or give evidence by closed circuit TV. The prosecutor will make sure you know the options and understand how they work. Ask the prosecutor, court victim advisor or officer in charge ahead of time about the options you would like, so that they can make the request to the judge and any arrangements with the court.
When you give evidence, the court will be a “closed” court. This means that members of the public cannot be present.
You can have your support person sitting close to you when you give your evidence. Talk to the officer in charge of your case, or your court victim advisor, so that this can be arranged.
Most courts have separate waiting areas for people who have been called as witnesses, but it is possible that you will see the accused person’s family and friends in and around the court.
What support can you get?
Safety
It is important you feel safe while you are at court. If you or members of your family or whānau feel unsafe at any time, talk to a police officer or court security officer.
Support for witnesses
- Both the court victim advisor and prosecutor will help you if you have been called as a witness. Your support worker can also help you prepare for appearing in court.
- Ask the police officer in charge of your case or your court victim advisor if you want to see the courtroom before the hearing.
- Talk to your court victim advisor or police officer in charge of your case if you would like to request special arrangements to be made for when you give your evidence.
- A support person can sit close to you when you give your evidence.
Arriving at court
The police officer in charge of your case, your court victim advisor, or someone from a support agency you are working with can meet you when you come to court to give evidence, and show you where you can wait. Just ask them to arrange this with you.
