Vulnerable Witness
Definition
A witness classed as needing special measures because of age, disability, or the nature of the offence, most commonly a sexual assault complainant regardless of age.
Related terms
- In-Camera Testimony
- Evidence heard with the courtroom closed to the public and press, used for sexual offence trials and child witnesses to balance open...
- Secondary Victimisation
- Additional harm caused to a victim through the process of reporting and investigation, such as disbelief, insensitive questioning, or retraumatisation. Fear of...
- Victim Allocution
- A narrower right than a victim impact statement: an opportunity for the victim to address the sentencing court directly, kept separate from...
- Victim Impact Statement
- A written or oral account submitted by a victim (or victim's family) describing the physical, psychological, financial, and social effects of the...
- Witness Protection Programme
- A threat-graded scheme ranging from routine police advice to full relocation with a new identity, meant to stop intimidation from collapsing a...
Explained in these topics
- Victim and Witness Participation in Criminal Justice (UGC-NET Unit II)
- Victim and Witness Participation in Criminal ProceedingsA witness whose age, disability, or the nature of the offence (such as a sexual assault complainant) qualifies them for special measures when testifying.