Information for witnesses

Using an intermediary

Intermediaries assist people reporting to the police with their communication. Their job is to help you understand questions the police will ask you. They can also think of ways to help you tell the police what happened.

Intermediaries can also help with communication at court. If you are required to go to court, an intermediary may be able to assist the people who need to talk to you at court, and help you to understand their questions.

You can only access the Intermediary Program by referral. You must be referred by:

• a police officer
• a legal practitioner, or
• the courts.

Who we can help

Intermediaries can work with people of all ages and all abilities, including those who use technology or voice output devices to communicate.

They can assist people who speak different languages by working together with interpreters.

Talking to police

To prepare for a police interview, an intermediary will briefly assess a witness’ communication support needs.

They will also make specific recommendations to the police officer, for example:

• how to word questions so that they can be understood, strategies to support verbal communication (e.g. using visuals)
• understanding and accommodating additional needs (e.g. scheduling)
• ways to assist the witness to feel calm and focused (e.g. using sensory tools).

An intermediary typically sits in the interview room when the witness makes their video and audio recorded statement (VARE).

Going to court

To prepare for a court hearing, an intermediary will comprehensively assess a witness’ communication needs.

They will put together a report for the court outlining the witness’ specific communication needs and provide recommendations about:

• how to word questions so that they can be understood
• ways to support communication (e.g. introducing topics, using visual aids)
• ways to modify the environment to best accommodate the person’s needs
• strategies to assist the witness to remain focused and calm.

An intermediary will speak confidentially with legal practitioners about their recommendations. They will also assist with wording questions, constructing aids to support clear communication and more.

The intermediary will sit alongside the witness when they give evidence. They will help to ensure that:

• communication is clear
• breakdowns in communication are flagged.

Resources

The Intermediary Program Easy English Guide explains:

• what an intermediary is
• how they can assist you
• who can be referred to the program.

Download the Intermediary Program - Easy English guide.

Helpful contacts

Further support

If you need to talk to someone, support is available.