• Establishing secure premises in which to conduct interviews; • Limiting contact with the witness only to what is necessary; • Removing a potential witness to a safe house or area; and • Ensuring that their basic needs, including medical needs and financial considerations (such as compensation for lost earnings), are met. The International Tribunals have extensive experience in dealing with aspects of witness protection at trial, the establishment of victim and witness sections, and the implementation of a variety of technological protective measures in the courtroom, including voice and image distortion, closed sessions, protective screens, pseudonyms and closed-circuit television. In some cases relocation, even to another country, and a new identity may be needed. For victims of sexual offences, these measures may be accompanied by evidentiary safeguards such as the inadmissibility of evidence of past sexual conduct or the limited admissibility of evidence of consent. It is also important that former witnesses are kept informed of the proceedings and the outcome of cases. Protocols on these issues should be developed early on, with adequate expertise on women’s and children’s issues. If domestic jurisdictions lack adequate legislation or expertise in this area, they may wish to consult international counterparts with extensive expertise, including the International Criminal Court. 20