The Quiet Build-Up Before Trial
What survivors should know - from court visits and special measures to the emotional reality of preparing to give evidence in a rape or serious sexual assault trial
When people talk about rape and serious sexual assault trials, they often focus on the courtroom itself.
But for many survivors, the hardest part can actually be the weeks beforehand.
The waiting.
The uncertainty.
The emails.
The phone calls.
The countdown to a day you never wanted to exist in the first place.
Preparing for trial is not just “getting organised”. It can feel emotional, exhausting, surreal - even reopening parts of the trauma you’ve spent months or years trying to hold together. And while every experience is different, there are things you are entitled to know - and support you have the right to ask for.
You have the right to be kept informed
Under the Victims’ Code, you should be kept updated about:
when the trial is expected to start
how long it may last
whether you’ll need to give evidence
what time you’ll need to arrive at court
You can also request updates at any time. For many survivors, silence from the system can feel incredibly unsettling. Chasing information when you’re already emotionally drained can feel unfair - but you are allowed to ask questions, ask for clarity, and ask what’s happening with your case.
Watching your police interview again can feel huge
Before the trial, you may be asked to watch your video-recorded interview to refresh your memory. For some people, this feels grounding. For others, it can feel very emotional. It’s okay if revisiting that moment feels difficult. Many survivors describe it as being pulled back into a version of themselves they’ve fought hard to move beyond. You do not have to do it alone.
You can usually bring:
an ISVA
a trusted friend
a family member
(as long as they are not a witness in the case)
Support matters. Especially during moments like this.
Visiting the court beforehand can help more than you think
The Witness Service may be able to arrange a visit to the court before the trial begins. Sometimes just seeing the room beforehand - where you’ll sit, where people stand, how it all works - can make things feel slightly less overwhelming.
Court buildings can feel cold, formal and intimidating. Walking into that environment for the first time on the actual trial day can be a lot. You deserve the chance to prepare for it.
If you’re scared of seeing the defendant - say so
Many survivors worry about accidentally seeing the defendant or their family and friends in court. That fear is valid.
If this is something you’re anxious about, tell the police, your ISVA, or the Witness Service. There may be ways to reduce contact, including:
separate entrances
staggered arrival times
separate waiting areas
changes to your special measures arrangements
You should not have to silently carry that anxiety on your own.
You’re allowed to change what support you need
Sometimes people don’t realise what they need until the process becomes real. That’s normal. You may visit the court and suddenly realise:
you don’t feel comfortable giving evidence in the courtroom
you want additional support
your original special measures no longer feel right
You can ask for changes. Needing support is not a weakness.
Special measures exist to help people give their best evidence, not to “prove” how strong they are.
Practical worries matter too
Travel. Childcare. Time off work. Money. Safety. These things can become huge sources of stress before trial - especially when you’re already emotionally overwhelmed.
You may be able to get help with:
travel costs
taxis or train tickets
overnight accommodation
childcare expenses
loss of earnings (within limits)
If something feels difficult, raise it early. You do not have to just “figure it out”.
A final reminder
There is no “perfect” way to go through this process.
Some people feel numb.
Some feel terrified.
Some swing between anger, exhaustion, panic and relief all within the same day.
Whatever you are feeling, it is valid.
Getting to trial after experiencing violence already takes enormous strength. And while the system often expects survivors to simply adapt to its processes, you still deserve care, dignity, information and support along the way.
