The success of the legal system rests in the hands of everyone, not just the
judiciary but the society at large. Cases that flood the court room daily
have one thing in common - "Justice". Justice for the society whose
law has been flouted and seeks to set confidence in the minds of the citizens, justice for the victim who is
scared of moving on with life and possibly suffering from traumatic experiences
and finally justice for the accused who should be exposed to a form of punishment
or rehabilitation as the case demands.
Lawyers sometime experience difficulties accessing witnesses for sensitive cases as many are desirous of forging ahead with life. some are scared that the offenders may come after them and many victims are
rarely successful in reintegrating back into the society.
The Witness support unit exist in some countries of the world and has overtime
influenced positively the criminal justice system. Our very own country is not
left out as the Ministry of Justice Lagos recently introduced this in the
judiciary although not too popular.
What is the Witness Support Unit?
The witness support unit is the support center of the Department of
Public Prosecution created under the Ministry of Justice by the Lagos state
government to promote dispensation of justice with ease. In other nations of
the world, the unit is referred to as the Victims/Witness Protection Unit.
If you are a victim of a crime, a witness to a crime or someone
supporting a victim, help is available from the Witness Support Unit. The
unit will assist you by developing an individual court support plan with a
qualified Official. Ongoing support is provided by trained volunteers to
assist you before, during and after the court proceedings.
How does it operate?
- Victims are contacted by the
department through the case files or the victims come in by voluntary
visit/ referrals by the help of the police.
- Officials (known as Witness
Support Unit Officers) or volunteers work in the unit
- Officials of the unit counsel the victim(s) based on the
Peculiarity of the case .
- Victims are enlightened on
the run down of the court process. They are familiarized with the entire
court process and how to answer questions.
- Cases requiring extra
special need are handled by counselors and Unit officers or referred to the appropriate body.
Volunteers/Officials from the Victim Support Unit can support
you as you make your way through the court process by:
§ meeting with you
before court to help you understand how the courts and legal system operates;
§ assisting you to
develop a court support plan;
§ showing you around
the court so you are familiar with where you have to go on the day of the court
case;
§ talking with you
about any concerns you have about going to court;
§ provide you with a
safe place in court;
§ informing you of
the role of each person on trial as well as court expectations and processes;
§ being with you in
court or while you are waiting to give evidence and spend some time with you
after court;
§ providing you with
information about financial assistance, victim compensation and other
entitlements you may have;
§ providing referral
information for ongoing support;
§ provide legal
advice;
§ provide counselling;
§ provide direct
financial assistance;
§ provide transport;
§ provide child care
Location of the Witness support Unit
The witness support unit is located in Room 308 and 208 of the Department of
Public Prosecution, Ministry of justice, Alausa Lagos. Telephone contact and
online media platforms would be viral in due time.
Labels: Justice, Witness, Witness support
