Domestic abuse - crime prevention advice and evidence preservation

Domestic Abuse

Being a victim of crime can be an upsetting and traumatic experience, Nottinghamshire Police take all reports of domestic abuse seriously and your report will be dealt with sensitively.

What happens next?

An officer will attend a location you choose and feel comfortable in and speak to you about your report. Your report will be dealt with sensitively and you will be asked questions to complete a risk assessment. This helps us understand risks to you and others and helps to put safeguards in place.

Evidence Preservation

What you can do:

• If you have sustained any injuries, the officer may ask you to photograph them or record them on their body worn video
• If there is an element of physical abuse (punching) there may be a chance for officers to swab the affected area for DNA. Try to leave these areas untouched/unwashed for officers to assess
• The officer will ask you to provide a statement if criminal offences have been identified and will explain what happens if you provide a statement, which gives us best evidence to build a case towards prosecution or other outcomes

Crime Prevention

What you can do:

There are some steps you can do to protect yourself at home from abuse, these include:

• Pack an emergency bag and leave it somewhere safe (in a secret place or with a trusted friend or family member)
• Think of an everyday codeword and share this with your friends and family, so that if you use in a message or conversation they know you need help
• Know where your nearest phone is. If you have a mobile phone, keep it with you and charged
• If you manage to dial 999 the operator will automatically pass your call to the Police if a disturbance can be heard
• If you need to dial 999 but are unable to speak, dial 999 followed by 55 when asked and you will be put through to Police
• Teach your children to dial 999

SUPPORT FOR YOU - Further support and advice can be obtained from:

Advice about domestic abuse - Nottinghamshire Police website

Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men - Men’s Advice Line UK website

Support for you

Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 2000 247

Contact us:

• Tel – 101 for Non-Emergencies
• Live Chat via Nottinghamshire Police website
• Online via our website

You can find information on The Code of Practice for Victims and Crime at The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales and supporting public information materials on the GOV.UK website.