Around the world
Other countries have tried things the UK has not
We are building a comparison of witness support in the Commonwealth and beyond. We publish an entry only once we have read the original source. This page will grow.
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New South Wales, Australia
Put witness support inside the prosecution office
The Witness Assistance Service is part of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Its officers work from every prosecution office, so the people supporting a vulnerable witness sit alongside the people running the case. There are dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander officers. E30
For the UK: In England and Wales a witness can deal with the police, a Witness Care Unit, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Witness Service, each a separate organisation.
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New Zealand
Offer communication help to everyone who gives evidence
A judge can direct communication assistance for defendants as well as witnesses, to help them understand the hearing and give evidence to the best of their ability. E28
For the UK: Help that depends on which side called you is a design choice, not a necessity.
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New Zealand
Measure what changes
The evaluation of the Sexual Violence Court pilot reported the time from a case entering the pilot to the start of trial falling by 30% in Auckland and 39% in Whangārei. E29
For the UK: The pilot changed case management as a whole, so this is not a result for witness support alone. The point is that it was measured and published.
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European Union
Keep minimum standards under review
In June 2026 the EU adopted a directive amending its 2012 minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime. E31
For the UK: It does not apply in the UK. We are reading what it says about support at court and will report here.
Being checked now
We are reading the original sources for: Canada (federal, Ontario and British Columbia); Ireland; South Africa; India; the Netherlands; the United States; the Nordic Barnahus model; the International Criminal Court; the Australian federal prosecution service, Victoria and Tasmania.
Know of an evaluation we should read? Contact admin@caseform.ai.