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Cover your Tracks

Before you go any further, if you are seeking help as a victim of domestic violence, you may wish to ensure others don't know what you are doing so. Please follow the instructions here.

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Reporting a domestic violence incident to the Police


If you decide to report a domestic violence incident, the Police should take your complaint seriously.

The Police should:

  • Get a statement from you and any witnesses and thoroughly investigate what has happened. 

  • Take steps to stop the violence, which may mean removing the perpetrator.

  • Collect evidence, for example take photographs of any damage to property and injuries to you (or your children).

  • Ensure that you (and your children) are safe, arrest the perpetrator and escort them from the property or take you (and your children) to a safe place.

  • Give you information of services that can offer you support including the nearest Community Safety Units.

  • Speak to you and your partner separately.

  • Keep you informed of the progress of the case.

The Police Service in England and Wales have published a Policing Pledge that makes a number of promises on how your local police will work with you to help resolve your concerns. You can read more about it here.