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<p>We have a range of special measures in place to support vulnerable witnesses and
victims when they are giving evidence. These include the option of giving evidence
from a remote location away from the court via live link, which significantly limits
the risk of a witness coming into contact with a defendant or their supporters. This
will mean victims of crime can give evidence from somewhere they feel safe.</p><p>The
Ministry of Justice also funds the delivery of the court-based Witness Service, delivered
by Citizens Advice at all criminal courts in England and Wales. The Service has developed
an enhanced package of support to vulnerable and intimidated witnesses (including
victims). This enhanced level of support includes both support at court and pre-trial
support and an outreach service offering home visits or meetings, in advance of trial,
at Citizens Advice offices or another neutral and appropriate location, and meeting
the witness outside the court and accompanying them inside. This enhanced service
is being rolled out nationally and will be available in all areas by end of April
2016.</p><p>The court can impose any bail condition necessary to ensure that a defendant
does not interfere with a witness. If a bail condition is broken, this will have consequences
for the offender, including the possibility of a remand into custody.</p>
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