Going to court
Either the crown prosecution service or the police will decide whether or not your case goes to court.
The decision is based on two questions:
- Is there enough evidence for a 'realistic prospect of conviction'? If the CPS/ or police do not think there is enough evidence, or it is not the right kind of evidence, the case will not go to court, no matter how serious the crime is.
- Is it in the public interest for this case to go to court? If the crime is serious, the CPS/ or police will usually prosecute unless it would clearly not be in the public interest for them to do so.
Case heard at Crown Court
If your case goes to Crown Court, it will be heard by a judge and jury. There will be barristers to represent the prosecution (CPS), and a barrister to represent the person charged with assaulting you. When the jury have heard all of the evidence, they will decide if they believe the person charged with assaulting you committed the crime.
If you have to go to court
If the defendant pleads not guilty, it is possible that you may have to go to the Crown Court and appear as a witness. The two barristers will ask you questions.
If you do have to appear in court, there are ‘Special Measures’ that can be put in place. These have been introduced to make it easier for you to give evidence and can be explained to you by your specialist officer (SOLO).
The Crown Court Witness Service can offer you support and advice, for example, visiting the courtroom before the trial to ease your concerns about going there.
Media coverage
The media (newspapers, television, radio etc.) are not allowed to use your name or give any details that would make it clear who you are. They are allowed to report anything that is said in your evidence, apart from details that would give away your identity.