CYP Now - Court witnesses: Delays can add to testimony trauma

Children and young people who give evidence in court are often traumatised by the experience, according to new research from the NSPCC and Victim Support.

Their report, which surveyed 50 young witnesses, was released on the day the Government launched a review of how young people give evidence.

Many children said they were frightened and upset by their court appearance.

A spokesman for Victim Support said: "We want lawyers and judges to understand who they are dealing with when children and young people take the stand.

"Clearly some barristers will almost take delight in unnerving young witnesses."

The campaign groups also called for urgent action to reduce delays in bringing cases involving young people to court, saying young witnesses can wait up to a year before they testify.

NSPCC lawyer Barbara Esam said: "Systematic monitoring of delay in young witness cases is vital to tackle the unreasonable levels of delay in these cases."

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