My 4 Step System

In this article I am going to share with you my 4 step system for giving evidence at court.

I am sharing this with you because I do not believe that social workers, other professionals, survivors of domestic abuse, and parents receive anything like the support, guidance and training that they desperately need when in the witness box.

You would perhaps expect, that Social Workers, receive adequate training for their time in the witness box, but in my experience this generally does not happen, and if and when it does, it is rarely consistent or satisfactory.

There are probably many reasons (such as shortage of time and resources) why this is the case, but irrespective of the reasons, the lack of suitable training and support in this area, is in my view, seriously short sighted and harmful.

My first experience of giving evidence was horrific and I would not wish that on my worst enemy, and whilst most people's experience is highly unlikely to be as horrific and traumatising as mine was (given the circumstances of the case I was involved with at the time). The social work profession and agencies practising social work are, I believe, consistently failing to provide their workers with the skills and knowledge they need.

There are numerous abundantly clear reasons why there are shortages of social workers, and this situation is highly likely to continue, with devastating effect on the most vulnerable people in our society.

I think I have made my views clear on this matter.

Having spent decades giving evidence following my 'baptism of fire.' I consider I am very qualified to offer the support and guidance below.

If you want to give good evidence at court, you can follow my 4 step C.A.L.M. system.

The first step revolves around learning and practising being Calm and in control of your thoughts and feelings. This is vital if you are going to be able to give good evidence at court.

The second step begins with the letter A and refers to Attitude. If giving evidence at court you have to have a great attitude. The courts are often full of people who display a poor or negative attitude.

This is in no way helpful to their case. You are instead playing right into the hands of those who will be cross-examining you. Also bear in mind that the judge is constantly scrutinising you and weighing up your character.

The 3rd step in the system begins with the letter L and represents listening. You have to have the capacity to listen attentively to the questions barristers and the judge may ask of you. Obviously, if you are not able to listen you will not be able to answer the questions satisfactorily.

The final step in the process begins with the letter M and this refers to Mindfulness. If you're going to answer questions asked of you, in a way that reflects positively on your argument or case, you have to be able to think about how you respond to the questions posed to you. You have to respond in a way that is suitable and consistent with the earlier evidence given, and presents your evidence in the best possible light.

The M also stands for Mastery, and when you practice these four steps sufficiently (which you will need to do) you can within a short period of time become much more skilled at giving evidence and satisfactorily protecting yourself at court.

As I state in my book, if you're attacked on the street, you basically know how to defend yourself. You can fight back, run and hide, enlist the help of another and/or call the police.

When you are attacked at court - and make no mistake you are being attacked, just not physically - it's your responsibility to learn how to defend yourself. Your organisation won't and does not do this for you.

I found this out to my detriment whilst in the witness box many many years ago. My first time in the witness box was so traumatising that it has taken me 30+ years to feel able to share it.

I don't think any witness deserves that, or anything like it!