There's a process that takes place whenever someone reports an incident of domestic abuse to the police.

  • In an emergency, call 999
  • Call 101 for non-emergencies


Once you've reported an incident the police will:

  • contact you (or in an emergency, arrive at your location) as soon as possible
  • step in and intervene in any cases where violence is still happening
  • listen to you about what has happened, away from the offender
  • arrest the offender if they think a crime has happened
  • carry out a risk assessment and will talk to you about ways to keep you safe.

What happens next?

The officer dealing with the incident will keep you updated on what's happening with the case. You'll be told when an offender is arrested, released or charged.

You might be contacted by a member of the Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit. They'll look at ways of planning your long-term safety.

The officer dealing with your case will focus on how they can make you safer and support you. Some of the options they can help to arrange are:

  • alarms for the household
  • lending of a mobile or emergency phone
  • personal attack alarms
  • Refuge – if you need emergency accommodation to stay safe and you're breaking contact completely with your partner/ex-partner/family. 
  • Support Services – If you would like support from other services, the police can arrange this for you by making a referral on your behalf. Alternatively, they may leave information and/or contact details for these services with you.

 

Find out more about how the police can help you.