Supporting Equal Access to Justice for People with Learning Disabilities
As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am committed to ensuring that every victim and witness of crime receives the support they need to engage with the criminal justice system and have their voice heard regardless of their circumstances or additional needs.
That is why my office is proud to support and fund People First Forum's Witness Support, Preparation and Profiling Service. The service provides specialist support to victims and witnesses with learning disabilities, helping them navigate the criminal justice system with confidence and ensuring they receive the support and reasonable adjustments they need.
This work is particularly important as the government rolls out specialist rape and sexual offence courtrooms across England and Wales. The changes, which include trauma-informed support, remote evidence and dedicated victim support, are designed to improve victims' experiences of the criminal justice system and strengthen access to justice.
I would now like to hand over to Paul, Amanda and Cathy at People First Forum to tell you more about their important work.
“Our Witness Support, Preparation and Profiling Service was developed with people with learning disabilities to support victims and witnesses of crime. It helps people with learning disabilities understand and participate in the criminal justice process, ensuring they receive the support they need and have the same access to justice as everyone else.”
“The service focuses on three key areas: providing direct support, raising awareness and helping people feel safer in their communities.
"A key part of our work is developing Person-Centred Profiles, which outline an individual's communication needs, support requirements, medical considerations and any reasonable adjustments they may need. These profiles are shared with legal professionals and judges to help witnesses give their best evidence in court."
The service also:
- Arranges court familiarisation visits
- Provides emotional support and confidence building
- Helps people understand court processes and legal terminology
- Ensures access to special measures such as screens, video links and support in court
- Acts as a central point of contact between agencies and the individual
From April 2025 to July 2026, we have:
- Supported 49 people
- Managed 91 referrals and charges
- Assisted 31 victims of crime
- Supported individuals involved in 24 domestic abuse and 13 sexual abuse cases
“Behind every referral is a person whose life has been affected by crime.
“One woman with a learning disability and mental health needs was referred to the service while involved in a domestic abuse case. Prior to her referral, the trial had been adjourned at least twice, and her learning disability had not been formally recognised within the court process until discussions around special measures took place.
“Over a ten-month period, the team maintained regular contact with her, arranged court visits, prepared a detailed Person-Centred Profile and worked with partners to ensure the right support measures were in place.
“The defendant later changed their plea to guilty and received an 18-month suspended prison sentence, 130 hours of unpaid work, a fine and a two-year restraining order.
“Most importantly, the woman said she would not have attended court without the support she received from People First Forum.”
She said: "They really calmed me down as I was feeling so anxious about going to court. I had a meltdown at work due to all the stress.
“I was relieved that he changed his plea to guilty. I didn't know why the trial kept getting adjourned. The more it was delayed, the more stressed I became.
“People First were very good at keeping me updated and explaining things in a way I could understand. I was very grateful."
Amanda Frost, Learning Disabled Assistant Manager at People First Forum, works alongside the service to ensure people with learning disabilities have a voice in how it is developed and delivered.
She said: "It's important that people with learning disabilities are referred to the service as early as possible. Without this support, they may not have a positive experience within the criminal justice system. We want to make sure people receive the support they need and achieve the best possible outcomes."
Independent Learning Disabilities Adviser, Paul Thomas, said: “We like to get the referrals as early as possible so we can ensure that special measures are in place and, if not, we can apply for them with the officer in charge.”
Everyone deserves equal access to justice and improving on this means understanding and responding to the needs of people with disabilities at every stage of the process. People First Forum's Witness Support, Preparation and Profiling Service is helping people with learning disabilities overcome barriers, have their voices heard and access the support they need. I am proud to support this vital service and the positive difference it continues to make across Dorset.
David Sidwick
Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset