The Victim and Witness Care Unit

The Victim and Witness Care Unit (VWCU) provides you with a single point of contact from when an investigation or charge file is submitted to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS), through to and including the outcome of any court proceedings  -  your VWCU Case Officer.

You can contact the VWCU directly:

If you are a victim we will contact you once your case is received by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS). Your VWCU case officer will keep you informed of the progress of your case. The VWCU can also refer you for extra support provided by other organisations.

If you are a witness your first contact with your VWCU case officer will be when it has been decided that you are required to give evidence. An assessment of your needs is carried out at this stage too.

You can read more about the services we provide to victims of crime in the Victim and Witness Information section of this website.

In summary, if you are a victim we will:

• Tell you when your case is received by the PPS
• Tell you when a defendant is granted bail or their bail conditions are changed if it affects you
• Notify you when a prosecutor takes a decision in your case
• Provide you with information about making a Victim Personal Statement
• Tell you about key court hearings
• Keep you updated at key stages of your case
• Tell you the result of your case and tell you the sentence given, as appropriate
• Tell you if there is an appeal and the outcome of the appeal
• VWCU will keep you updated on the progress of the case where you are a bereaved relative or next of kin. We will contact you or if you prefer through your PSNI Family Liaison Officer

If you are a witness we will:

• Tell you when you are needed to give evidence
• Tell you the location, dates and times of relevant court hearings
• Provide information on the facilities available at all court locations
• Give you information about claiming for expenses you may incur in attending court
• Arrange travel and accommodation if you live abroad or outside NI
• Give you the information you need to help prepare for attending court to give evidence
• Have an assessment of your needs to provide you with the specific support and guidance you need
• Tell you about Special Measures which can help you to give evidence if you feel vulnerable or intimidated. Read the Special Measures page for further information. 

You can read more about your rights and the services you can expect by accessing the following resources:

• PPS Victim & Witness Policy
• Victim Charter
• Witness Charter