Barking and Dagenham Domestic Violence Forum

Practical Help

Getting help from the police

Police Response to an Emergency call

 

Most 999 calls to the police concerning violence in the home will be attended by two ordinary uniformed officers. Police officers now have clear guidelines on how to respond to domestic violence call outs.

If your partner has committed an offence which gives the police the power to arrest him they should arrest him. They should then remove him from the home and take him to the police station for questioning.

Domestic Violence Crimes
There are many different crimes committed under the term "domestic violence" which perpetrators (people who abuse their partners) may be arrested for. These include:

• Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)


• Unlawful wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm (GBH)


• Malicious wounding


• Rape, attempted rape or indecent assault


• Threats to kill
• Criminal damage and public order offences


• Breach of bail conditions


• Breach of civil law injunctions e.g. non-molestation orders if they carry a power of arrest

NB A new law called The Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 which is coming into effect in July 2005 will also make Common Assault an offence for which a perpetrator of domestic violence can be arrested.

Common assault offences are the least serious assaults and include threats of violence, shoving, slapping and hitting without causing injury. It is up to the police (and not you) to decide whether or not to arrest your (ex) partner.

They are responsible for enforcing criminal law and also for protecting victims of crime who have called for help. The police officers should always talk to you and your (ex) partner separately (so you shouldn't be afraid that you partner can hear what you are telling the police).

They are also able to arrange for you to get medical help if you need it and to refer you to a safe place to go (e.g. a women's refuge) if you do not feel safe staying at home. They can also give you information on other support services who may be able to help or advice you.

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Contact
Barking Police Station
6 Ripple Road
Barking IG11 7PE
Monday to Friday: 8am - 10pm
Tel: 020 8217 7745
In an emergency dial 999

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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