Reporting to the police
You can choose whether or not to report your partner/ex-partner to the police. You may be reluctant to involve the police but remember that he does not have the right to assault or harass you. If you report him, the police may be able to take action which might improve your and your children’s safety.
You can report by phoning on 0131 311 3131 or going to your local police station or phoning the DALO on 0131 561 6124.
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If it’s an emergency, phone 999. Often, neighbours contact the police out of concern if they hear a disturbance.
How the police respond
The police treat domestic abuse as high priority and try to ensure an immediate response. Their first priority when they get to the incident is the safety and well-being of the victim and anyone else present. They will ensure that all the details of the incident are collected, all possible lines of enquiry pursued, and all evidence secured.
- They will check to see if you are injured and need medical treatment. If you have injuries, the police may get a report from medical staff, and they may want to take photos.
- They will interview you separately from your partner. They will ask you what happened and when, and whether anyone else saw or heard the incident. They will ask you if there have been previous incidents. They will note a statement from you.
- You can ask to speak to a woman police officer although this might not always be possible. You will usually be interviewed at home or at the scene of the incident. You can ask for someone to be with you as long as they are not a witness.
- The police may also interview witnesses such as neighbours or older children in the household.
- They will note other evidence such as damage to the house, threatening letters/texts and so on, and may take items such as damaged clothes as evidence.
- They will ask for the details of any children who normally live in the house. Depending on the circumstances, these details may be shared with the Children’s Reporter and the Social Work Department. These agencies will work with you to make sure your children are safe and protected from abuse.
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