Witnesses in fear of attack
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Criminals are escaping justice because victims and witnesses are too frightened of intimidation if they go to court, writes Heather Mills.
According to Victim Support, little is done to protect victims or witnesses. Some of those who do go into the witness box subsequently suffer abuse or violence from the offender, his or her friends or family.
In one case a 16-year-old girl raped by four men was beaten up by a gang of her attackers' friends a week after she had given evidence at the men's trial.In another a young victim of racist violence who had given police the names of his attackerswas beaten senseless with baseball bats days later.
Victim Support yesterdaycalled for changes to investigation and court procedures to protect witnesses - including keeping their names and addresses secret where necessary, allowing some to give evidence from behind screens or via television links, and providing separate waiting areas for prosecution and defence witnesses in courts.
Helen Reeves, director, told the support group's conference: "There is no justice if people are too frightened to go to the police or to give evidence."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments