Witness Service The Witness Service provides independent support for witnesses giving evidence in all criminal courts in England and Wales. As a frontline service providing face-to-face support to witnesses in court, the impact of the pandemic has been significant, as it has been on the criminal justice system as a whole. Despite this, we: supported 52,000 witnesses to give their best evidence adapted our offer to include telephone and video support, so we could support witnesses remotely provided enhanced support for 2,340 vulnerable and intimidated witnesses through our outreach programme made 3,000 referrals to other services, including local Citizens Advice We also delivered support to victims of domestic abuse in 13 family court sites as part of a pilot now entering its third year. Our friendly and supportive volunteers and staff helped victims feel reassured and informed about the family court process. Of the witnesses we supported this year, 96% said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the service and we continue to advocate for witnesses’ needs and rights, using our influence to make sure the voice of witnesses is heard throughout the justice system. Our Covid-19 impact report contains more information about how we’ve helped witnesses throughout the pandemic and the wider impact we have on the criminal justice system. I felt much better prepared than if I hadn’t had the support from the Witness Service. The help and support I received was invaluable. I knew better what to expect on the day I gave evidence. 25 How we’re helping people