Choosing your supporter

Most witnesses prefer to have someone they know, and will feel comfortable with, when giving their evidence.

Here are some things you may want to consider when deciding who might be your supporter:

• If your preferred supporter is also cited as a witness, they won't be able to act as your supporter unless they have finished giving their own evidence
• You should try to think about how your supporter might react if they hear your evidence. For example, you may want to protect certain family or friends from hearing the details of your evidence. If you think they might get upset or angry in court, this may also upset you. You may decide that it is best for you to have someone from outside your family
• The person you wish to have as a supporter may already know too many details about the case and the court may think they could have an influence on what you say. In some cases, the court may not approve your preferred supporter because of this
• You may already be supported by someone from a specialist support organisation or social work department and wish to nominate them

The person citing you as a witness should be able to offer you some advice and help you to choose a supporter.

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