You have called me a vulnerable witness; what does this mean?

Measures can be put in place to assist vulnerable witnesses in giving evidence.

This includes video links, pre-recorded evidence (the witness must still be available for questioning at the hearing), use of interpreters and hearing the evidence in private.

Witnesses may be identified as vulnerable if:

• They are under the age of 18
• The quality of their evidence is likely to be diminished because:
  • They have a mental disorder,
  • They have a significant impairment of intelligence and/or social functioning
• They are the alleged victim of behaviour of a sexual and/or violent nature
• They are suffering from fear or distress in connection with giving evidence