Navigating Pre-Trial Therapy​: A Guide for Victims and Witnesses

Navigating the criminal justice system can be challenging, especially when you're involved as a victim or a witness. Understanding the role of pre-trial therapy in this process is crucial. Pre-trial therapy is important and can support you as you prepare for the trial process.

Pre-trial therapy is a vital resource for victims and witnesses in the criminal justice process. It offers a safe space to navigate your emotions while ensuring the integrity of your testimony. If you're involved in a trial, consider seeking out this supportive service.

In 2022 the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) issued guidelines concerning accessing therapy/counselling and include the following points regarding pre-trial therapy/counselling for rape and serious sexual assault:

• It is important that all victims are made aware that they can access therapy to ensure that their emotional and psychological needs are met before, during and after the trial. There is no requirement to delay therapy on account of an ongoing police investigation or prosecution.
• The health and wellbeing of the victim should always be the determinative factor in whether, when and with whom they seek pre-trial therapy, including the timing and the form of therapy undertaken.
• It is for the victim to make decisions about therapy with their therapist. Criminal justice practitioners should play no role in the decision-making process beyond alerting victims to the availability of therapy

What is Pre-Trial Therapy?

Pre-trial therapy is a supportive service offered to victims and witnesses during the ongoing criminal justice process. It aims to provide emotional support without influencing the evidence you provide in court.

The Importance of Pre-Trial Therapy

Our criminal justice system heavily relies on witness testimonies. Pre-trial therapy ensures the integrity of your testimony by avoiding any potential contamination of evidence, thus maintaining the trial's fairness.

The Therapy Process

In pre-trial therapy, you'll regularly meet with a therapist who will support you emotionally. This process includes reviewing and signing off on your session notes to ensure accuracy, as these notes might be requested by the court.

Discussing the Incident

The CPS outlines safe areas for discussion in therapy, focusing on the incident's impact on you, improving self-esteem, stabilising and grounding techniques. However, delving into the event's details is generally advised against as it could be perceived as rehearsing for the trial, potentially impacting the court's view of your testimony.

Post-Trial Support

After the trial, regardless of the outcome, your therapist will help you process your feelings, whether it's coping with an acquittal or dealing with the consequences of a conviction. Post-trial, you're free to discuss any aspect of your experience.

CONTACT ME if you would like to discuss my availability.

https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/pre-trial-therapy-accompanying-note-therapists