Court witness

[peacocktail]

I managed to get an historical sex abuse case to court. I am quite nervous and not used to speaking in public. I have the choice of standing in court behind a screen or not.
I do not want to appear weak but I do not want to be a dithering mess either.
Also I have waited a long time for this and want to look confident.
Has anyone been in this situation or have you any advise. Thank you

I have no idea why I have voting.

You should have a witness care officer. There's lots of support out there for witnesses.
Ask the officer for a referral to either victim support or citizens advice witness service.

All you have to do is answer the questions truthfully. If you need the question repeating, you ask for it to be repeated and if you don't remember, it's ok to say that too.

I hope it goes well, you've come really far already.

Do you have any IRL support?

Remember, you're not on trial. They are. Wishing you strength

First of all, you should be really proud of yourself for getting this far. In regard to having screens / special measures, they are there to help you give your best evidence. It's not about the defendant or anyone else, this is about you. It's very much your choice. I used to work for the Witness Service and I've supported numerous people throughout cases like this. You need to do what makes you feel comfortable. Going to court especially in situations like this is never east so be prepared for it. It's worth contacting your local Witness Service to get a pre-trial visit. They can take you into court and talk through your options.

The only thing I would say, is to ask for the screens etc. ahead of time. If you don't want them on the day, you don't have to use them but it's easier to remove them than to ask for them on the day.
Best of luck OP.

Thank you. I think I would prefer screens but was just afraid of appearing weak. As you say I could have them removed if feeling strong enough on the day.
Just having a bit of a wobble today. I know that I am so lucky to get this far.

It's perfectly natural to have a wobble. You are far from weak. You've got this far. Call the court where your trial is taking place and ask to speak to the Witness Service. They really can help you.

Nothing weak at all about what you're doing OP, please remember that.

Nothing weak about having the bravery and courage to speak up and get this far. Think of it like this. If the screens make less wobbly have the screens. However, if you feel on the day you'd get more strength from looking the fucker that did this to you in the eye as you stand up for yourself then remove the screens. Whatever gives you the most strength is most likely to get them held to account. You are not weak whatever your choice. As someone else said, YOU are not on trial. Good luck. I'm behind you 😘

You are the bravest of the brave. Sending you very best wishes.