BPS calls for better psychological support for jurors exposed to distressing evidence during jury service

Following a number of high-profile cases, with juries hearing harrowing evidence over a period of months, the BPS is concerned that jurors are going without psychological support and being 'dropped' at the end of their service.

Jurors, who are often exposed to material that could result in vicarious trauma, are currently signposted to their GP to access NHS Talking Therapies and the Samaritans, should they experience distress or mental health difficulties following their jury service.

The BPS is urging the government to provide better psychological support for jurors, at the very least when cases meet a certain threshold for the type of case and the evidence jurors are expected to consider.

This would include replicating the model used in Scotland where there is a dedicated counselling service for jurors. It is also recommended that a 24/7, 365 day support phone line and online service is established for jurors with referrals made to in-person services where necessary.

Professor Nic Bowes, chair of the BPS's Division of Forensic Psychology, said:

"It's important to remember that jurors are members of the general public who have been required to join court processes from their everyday lives and form a jury, and potentially be exposed to material far beyond what they are used to seeing.

This can include graphic detail and images about extreme physical, sexual and emotional harm, and further contextual information, which creates a strong potential for people to experience vicarious trauma. 

Police, psychologists and other public sector employees are often protected from the impact by access to appropriate and professional staff support, good models of supervision, and often support from peers. But jurors are exposed to this material, sometimes over the course of several months, without any support either during or after the trial.

The impact of this is more serious because of restrictions on discussing cases, meaning jurors cannot use their usual strategies for coping with difficult situations, such as talking about it with family and friends. They are left alone to deal with this extremely challenging material and this has to change."

As well as support for jurors, the BPS is also highlighting the mental health needs of victims within the criminal justice system and the vital importance of pre, during and post-trail therapy.

Professor Bowes added:

"There is a bigger conversation to be had about supporting the mental health of all within the criminal justice system, but jurors in particular appear to slip through the cracks and are 'dropped' at the end of their vitally important service, being signposted to join a very long waiting list for NHS support. This creates additional strain on the existing NHS services and is simply not good enough – they deserve far better."