Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will ensure that witnesses and victims have separate entrances and waiting areas from the accused in criminal and family courts.

In criminal courts, victims of crime that have been called as a witness are entitled to enter a court through a different entrance from the suspect and to sit in a separate waiting area. Other witnesses may also seek special measures to use a separate entrance and waiting area. In family courts, vulnerable parties and witnesses may also request the use of a separate entrance and waiting area. Where dedicated separate entrances or waiting areas are not available, court staff will make alternative arrangements wherever possible.

As detailed in the Victims Strategy, improving the court environment for victims is a key commitment.