Attending court can be an intimidating experience at any time but especially in circumstances such as Domestic Abuse. Knowing the perpetrator is in the same building can be triggering and unsettling.
The following pages are full of information on what to expect in both Criminal and Family court – NB this is a guideline only as everyone’s cases and experiences are different.
Included are a list of options for support that may be available during criminal and family court proceedings along with a list of solicitors that accept legal aid.
Here are the links to each court within Nottingham. You will find all contact information, addresses and opening hours.
This link gives you information on being a witness in court. The process this takes and special measures that can be put in place:
Going to court to give evidence as a victim or witness
Court Dates
If you want to check the date and or time a perpetrator is due in court you can do so on the follow links or your Court IDVA or Support Worker can find out for you (if you have one)
If you are appearing as a witness, to give evidence or to read a victim impact statement the information will be relayed to you prior to attending. (please see info links below regarding attending court)
Nottingham crown Court – https://www.thelawpages.com/court-hearings-lists/Nottingham-Crown-Court.php
Nottingham Magistrates Court – https://www.thelawpages.com/magistrates-county-crown-court/Nottingham-Magistrates-Court-309.html
Mansfield Magistrate Court – https://www.thelawpages.com/magistrates-county-crown-court/Mansfield-Magistrates-Court-279.html
Magistrates dates are listed 24 hours in advance for the next day.
Attending Court
Victim impact Statements –
Victim Impact statements can be read out in court either by yourself or on your behalf. They are read/heard at sentencing hearings so the Judge can take into account the impact the perpetrators actions have had. This could be physical, financial, emotional or psychological impact.
It gives you a voice in the proceedings as unfortunately impact on survivors can sometimes be overlooked within the Criminal Justice System.
The follow link from Gov.uk explains what a victim impact statement is – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/victim-personal-statement
This link from Victim Support Services explains how to write a victim impact statement and includes and example. https://victimsupportservices.org/help-for-victims/victim-impact-statements/
This link from Nottinghamshire Police is a PDF information pack for Victims of crime. It explains your rights and what measures can be put in place for you when attending court in any capacity.
NB: not all information in this link is relevant to survivors of Domestic Abuse.
https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/sites/default/files/Victim%20info%20pack%20August%202019.pdf
This link from Gov.uk is a guidance factsheet on special measures for survivors of Domestic Abuse. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/domestic-abuse-bill-2020-factsheets/special-measures-in-the-criminal-courts-factsheet
This link gives you information on being a witness in court. The process this takes and special measures that can be put in place – https://www.gov.uk/going-to-court-victim-witness