Barriers to Victim and Witness Participation in the Criminal Justice System Following Severe Community Violence: Insights From Stakeholders

This research note presents findings from a qualitative study exploring the barriers to victim and witness participation in the criminal justice system following acts of severe community violence. Drawing on data from stakeholder interviews and focus groups conducted in Philadelphia and North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region, the study provides an analysis of how law enforcement professionals, victim advocates, and community-based service providers perceive and respond to victim and witness engagement. The findings reveal that barriers to participation operate across multiple, interrelated levels—from individual trauma and legal fears, to community norms, institutional practices, and justice system constraints. Supports used to facilitate participation include, but are not limited to, early engagement with victim advocates, trauma-informed approaches, and safety protections and court accompaniment. The research highlights stakeholder-informed recommendations to strengthen engagement practices and guide reforms aimed at improving participation among victims and witnesses in communities impacted by high rates of violence.