If you call the police
Always call 999 in an emergency so the police can provide immediate help. They may arrest your partner if they've committed a criminal offence against you. It's their decision whether to arrest your partner or not and you shouldn't feel you're responsible for this decision.
You can also contact your local police Community Safety Unit for support. Community Safety units specialise in what's know as 'hate crime' (including domestic violence) and they can support you in finding ways to keep safe. (You can find their number through your local police station or in the phone book.)
If they are called out to you the police will take a statement from you (i.e. write down the details of what happened.) You'll be asked to sign it to say it's true. The police will also gather other evidence that may be available such as medical records or statements from neighbours. They may also take photographs of your injuries.
You may have heard that you can 'withdraw the charges' but you can't. It's the decision of the police to press charges and the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service whether to prosecute. The only action you take is to withdraw your statement. If there's still enough evidence of the crime, your abuser may still go to court.
If your violent partner is arrested
- If your partner is arrested they'll be taken to the police station. If they've been charged with a crime, they may be released on bail while the police complete their investigation. Usually, there'll be conditions attached to their bail such as ordering them to stay away from you and to not communicate with you either directly (e.g. in person or by phone) or indirectly (e.g. by sending messages via someone else). If they ignore these conditions, they can be arrested and may be kept in custody until the court case.
- If your abuser pleads guilty you won't have to go to court. You may be asked to give a 'victim impact statement' to describe the effect the abuse has had on you. This would be considered when decided the sentence.
- If they plead 'not guilty' you may have to go to court to give evidence. If this happens you may find it useful to contact an organisation like
Victim Support who can answer any questions you may have. Some areas also have special domestic violence advocates to support people throughout the court process. Also, have a look at our article In court - who can support me. The Crown Prosecution Service may also have a meeting with you before the court case to find out if there are things they can do to help you give evidence.
- If your partner is harassing you (calling you every five minutes, coming round uninvited, etc.) you can report it to the police and they can issue them with a formal caution under the
Protection from Harassment Act. If they don't stop after they've been cautioned, they may be arrested, charged and prosecuted and could face up to five years in prison if convicted.
Other things the police can do
- If you're injured the police can take you to a doctor.
- They can take you and your children to a safe place such as a friends's house or a refuge.
Back to Practical help
This article was last reviewed by Catherine Orr Deas in December 2005.
First published in February 2003.
