They can
protect you from immediate danger and help you and your children.
They can arrest
the abuser without a warrant, when the police officer has good reason to believe that an assault has taken place or is taking place or
that the abuser has violated a protection order.
They will advise
you of Domestic Violence Services, including shelter programs.
They must write out a
police report, which is a detailed account of what happened to you. A police report can be used to help prove the abuse occurred which may be
helpful in a variety of court hearings including a Protection Order hearing. However, you do not need to have a police report to file for a
protection order.
Try to stay
calm. Even though you are in a crisis situation, it's very important to stay as calm as you can. Keep in mind, the more information a
person can effectively communicate to the police the more likely the response will be what the person needs.
Ask that a
report be filed. Officers are required to file an official report for every domestic violence case they respond to, even if no other
police action was taken.
Describe the
incident in detail. No one knows what took place better than you. Do not be intimidated or frightened when the officers ask you for a
statement--this is just a way of putting what happened in your own words. You will be asked to read what the officer has written to make sure
it's correct. The police will not know what happened at the incident unless you tell them.
Show the
police any injuries, bruises or damaged property. This is evidence! Visible proof provides more facts the police will take into
consideration. If there is no physical proof (for instance, you were being threatened or experienced pain), simply explain, clearly, what
happened.
Have the
police photograph any injuries or damaged property. Also, keep in mind that many injuries, such as bruising, do not show for several
days and may also worsen over time. Be sure and have the contact number of the police department and request that follow up photographs be
taken. Your medical provider may also be able to take photographs.
Tell the
officers if there were any witnesses. They help validate the fact that something has taken place.
Tell the
officers about other violent incidents. Past abuse is part of an abusive pattern. Previous assaults help explain the danger involved
in your situation.
Show the
officers any court documents you have, such as a Protection Order. In particular, keep a certified copy of a No Contact Order, a
Restraining Order or Protection Order with you at all times.
Ask the
officers for their business card, case number of the report and a phone number. Call the officers with any concerns or questions while
the incident is being investigated.
