Reporting Violence and Abuse to the Police
Role of the police at the scene
Family Crimes Investigation Unit (FCIU)
The Vulnerable Victims Advocacy Team (VVAT)
Calling the police
Sometimes people who are experiencing domestic violence don’t want to call the police because they are frightened that it might make the situation worse, or that they will get their partner or ex partner into trouble. But domestic violence nearly always escalates over time and very rarely stops without intervention, and reporting the crime can really help you to get the support that you deserve. The Police are very committed to tackling domestic violence and take all reports very seriously. So coming forward and seeking help from the police can be the first step to SAYING NO TO FEAR.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, and you are in danger you should always dial 999. The call handler who answers your call will ask you some questions and will try and ensure that the police respond as quickly as they can to your unique situation.
Role of the police at the scene
When the police arrive at the scene of any crime it is their job is to try and establish exactly what has happened and make a decision as to whether a crime has been committed. Following this assessment the officer will then decide whether an arrest can be made, you will not have to make this decision. The police officer’s job is to ensure that you, and your children if you have any, are safe, and to ensure that any violence or abuse stops, and to decide whether action needs to be taken against the person responsible for the abuse.
The officers will need to take a statement from you and will also ask you some questions about yourself, your circumstances and the violence and abuse. It is very important that you provide as much information as you can because this will not only ensure that there is evidence to support a prosecution, but also will ensure that your needs can be best met in the short and the longer term.
The police will also look for additional evidence to support your statement, for example they may speak to your neighbours, to your children,, seek medical evidence, or they may take photographs or use a video camera. Therefore, if you decide later on that you wish to retract your complaint for any reason there is a chance that the case could still go ahead, and you may still be required to give evidence in court.
The police will want to know that before they leave you that you are going to be safe. If you need to access a refuge or a safe house they can help you to do so, or can provide you with information so that you can consider all of your support options in your own time.
Photographing Injuries
If you have any visible injuries you may be asked by the police to have these photographed. This is because photographs provide powerful evidence in court. It might be that further photographs may need to be taken over a few days to show the full extent of your injuries.
Medical notes/records
If you are injured and need medical assistance the police may ask you if they can access your medical records or notes related to this current injury to provide additional evidence for the court, and also to determine what level of offence the person who has abused you is charged with. If you are reporting historic abuse then the police may request that they can access your previous medical history to provide additional evidence. However, this can only be done with your consent, and you do not have to agree to this if you are unhappy with the police reviewing your medical records.
Family Crimes Investigation Unit (FCIU)
The Family Crimes Investigation Unit is a special team of police officers who investigate cases of domestic violence, safeguarding adults and safeguarding children. The FCIU work very closely with a wide range of agencies, and can assist with any concerns or queries that you may have about your case.
The Vulnerable Victims Advocacy Team (VVAT)
The police at the scene will also conduct a ‘risk assessment’ to try to work out exactly what risks you are exposed to and how best you can be supported. If you case is high risk, or there is likely to be a prosecution, or you have been raped or sexually assaulted, or you need extra security measures to stay in your own home (Sanctuary Scheme) then your case will automatically be referred to the Vulnerable Victims Advocacy Team (VVAT).
The VVAT work independently of the police and the focus of their work is to decrease the risks and improve your safety. They will provide a range of support options based on your needs and wishes, and will also be able to refer you to other support services as appropriate. The VVAT work vwery closely with the FCIU.
The Crown Prosecution unit
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decides whether there is enough evidence to support a prosecution. The decision is made by reviewing the evidence and will take account of your views. The CPS takes cases of domestic violence very seriously and wherever there is enough evidence will always seek to prosecute.
If you decide you do not want to go ahead with a prosecution then the CPS may still decide that the case should go ahead, and as long as there is enough evidence they are likely to proceed. Merseyside Police and the CPS work very closely together to build the best case possible, and also try to ensure that all available support measures are made available to you so that yuou can give your best evidence possible.
Special Measures
If the case proceeds to court then it is likely that you will need to give evidence in court. This does not happen in every case, but it is a possibility you must consider. Giving evidence in court can be frightening and there are a number of special measures that can be applied for to try and make giving evidence less scary for you. In some cases evidence can be given via video link, or given evidence behind a screen so that you do not have to face the person who has abused you. There are other special measures available and you will be advised about all of these throughout the prosecution process.
Going to court
If your case goes to court then the Vulnerable Victims Advocacy Team will offer to support you throughout the process and afterwards to ensure that you are safe and are offered all of the available support services. They will work very closely with the Witness Care Unit who will contact you to assess what additional needs you may have to support you to go to court. This might include transport, childcare, worries about your safety needs at court etc. The VVAT and Witness Care can also support you to attend court, prior to your appearance to give evidence, for a familiarisation visit. They will also ensure that the Witness Service are available on the day to meet your specific needs. These can include ensuring that you can sit in a safe room before you give your evidence, that you have no contact with the person who has abused you or their friends and family, that you are assisted to leave court safely so that you are not put at risk after you have given your evidence.
Association Chief Police Officer's Domestic Abuse Guidance (PDF)
