It is important that you look after yourself before, during and after the court case. How you do this is up to you, but here are some suggestions for you to think about:

• try to get enough rest, eat well and do some sport or other activity you enjoy;
• learn relaxation techniques to help you stay calm;
• get counselling if you need it
  • As a victim of crime, counselling can allow you to:
  • talk about what happened if you want to
  • understand what you are feeling
  • find ways to cope in the weeks and months after the crime
  • help you gain the supports you need
  • deal with the symptoms such as not sleeping, poor concentration, avoiding socialising or being unable to work
  • reduce the extent to which your life is changed by the crime.
  • reduce the extent to which your life is changed by the crime or over time be able to adjust to the changes that have been made to your life because of the crime.
• talk to someone; a close friend or relative, a counsellor, someone from a victims support group or anyone else you feel you can trust and confide in;
• know your rights as a victim and get as much information as you can about the court process;
• take a support person with you to help you through the experience of going to court;
• have a plan for what you would like to do after the case is over, like going to the movies, taking a holiday, visiting friends or just doing something special for yourself.

Sometimes it can help if you take a small item with special meaning for you to court, such as a piece of jewellery or a letter from someone close.

Remember, it is not your responsibility to prove the case. You job is to tell the truth as a witness. The outcome of the case does not depend on you alone.