Context
A constituent who served as a juror in a child sexual abuse case highlighted the profound impact such trials can have on jurors, including potential trauma and PTSD.
Question
I recently met a constituent who had served as a juror in a very distressing child sexual abuse case. She highlighted the profound impact that such trials can have not just on the witnesses themselves, but on the jurors, who may experience trauma and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Although the appointment of the new Victims’ Commissioner is welcome, could the Minister outline what support is available for jurors who have to cope with the impact of the evidence they see and hear in such distressing cases?
Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
The hon. Member makes an important point. Juries are a cornerstone of our justice system and carry out an important function. There is support available for jurors, such as the witness service providing emotional and practical on-the-day support to help prosecution and defence witnesses in criminal courts across England and Wales. I am so sorry to hear of her constituent’s situation. If the hon. Member wants to write to me, I will happily look into this more and work with her on what more we can do to support jurors.
Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific details about psychological or medical support for jurors dealing with trauma from criminal trials.
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