Criminal Justice and You videos to help crime victims and witnesses

The project is being supported by police commissioner Alison Hernandez, Deputy Chief Constable David Thorne, High Sheriff Toby Ashworth, Alexis Bowater and advisor Jess Cain

A series of online videos has been created to help support victims and witnesses through the criminal justice process in Devon and Cornwall.

Criminal Justice and You has experts talk through each of the different stages, from reporting a crime to going to court.

The videos were an "invaluable asset", Victims Minister Laura Farris said.

They were created by Devon and Cornwall's Local Criminal Justice Board and the police commissioner's office.

'Take back control'

Criminal Justice and You is hosted on the Victim Care Devon and Cornwall website.

It includes videos from the police commissioner, Devon and Cornwall Police, Victim Support, the Crown Prosecution Service, Citizen's Advice, the courts service, National Probation Service, the Parole Board and the Youth Justice Service. 

In them, experts described and explained what victims and witnesses could expect at each stage of the justice process, managers said.

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said she hoped the videos would help affected people "take back control" of their experiences.

She said: "By working with victims, we have ensured that their voice has been heard throughout the development of this piece of work.

"I am hopeful that these videos, alongside links to further useful information, will help to give victims and witnesses back control over their experience, allowing them to understand what is happening at a time that suits them and at their own pace." 

The series features a British Sign Language translator and there are transcripts for those who find video difficult to use and for people who prefer the information in a different format.

There is also information on accessing victim services, restorative justice and what happens if the case does not go to trial.

Laura Farris said the videos would be an "invaluable asset to anyone who needs it in Devon and Cornwall".