Police and reporting
Sources checked: · qualified legal review pending
Whether to involve the police is your decision. Some people report straight away, some later, and some never. This page explains how it works, so you can decide what feels right, and what you can do if things don't go as you hoped.
If you're in danger right now
Call 999. If you can't speak, stay on the line and press 55 on a mobile when prompted. For non-urgent reports, call 101.
The short version
- You can talk to a specialist service before deciding whether to report.
- Ask for your crime reference number and the officer's name, it helps later.
- Victims have rights to information and support at every stage.
- If the police or prosecutors decide not to go ahead, you may be able to ask for a review.
Reporting optionsDifferent ways to tell the police.
- 999 in an emergency, or 101 if it isn't urgent
- Online reporting through your local force website (not for emergencies)
- In person at a police station, or by asking for an officer to visit somewhere safe
- With a support worker or IDVA alongside you
- Many forces have specialist domestic abuse officers, you can ask for one, and for a female officer if you'd prefer
Recording incidentsA private record can help, whenever you decide.
- Dates, times, what happened and who saw it
- Photos of injuries or damage, and screenshots of messages
- Kept somewhere the other person can't access
Only do this if it's safe. Your own account still matters, even without other evidence.
Crime reference numbersYour link to the case.
- Ask for the number each time you report, and write it down somewhere safe.
- Also note the officer's name and collar number, and how to contact them.
- Quote it when you call back, report another incident, or speak to support services.
The Victims' CodeYour rights as a victim of crime.
England and Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland
If the police take no further action (NFA)What it means, and what it doesn't.
"No further action" means the case won't go forward at the moment. It does not mean you weren't believed or that nothing happened. Cases can sometimes be reopened if new evidence comes to light.
- Ask for the reasons in writing.
- Ask whether the decision was made by the police or by prosecutors, this affects how to ask for a review.
- Keep recording any further incidents.
Victims' Right to ReviewAsking for a decision not to charge or prosecute to be looked at again.
England and Wales, CPS decisions
England and Wales, police decisions
Scotland
Northern Ireland
Complaints about the policeIf you're unhappy with how you were treated.
- In England, Wales and Scotland, complain to the force first, online, by letter, or through a support worker. In Northern Ireland, complain directly to the Police Ombudsman.
- Say what happened, when, and what you'd like to happen now.
England and Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland
Protective measuresWays the police and courts can help keep you safer.
- Bail conditions, for example not contacting you or coming to your home
- Domestic abuse protection notices and orders, which can be made quickly
- Restraining orders after a conviction or acquittal
- Special measures at court, such as screens or giving evidence by video link
- Disclosure schemes (Clare's Law) to ask about a partner's history
The exact orders available depend on where you live and are changing in some areas.
What protection can I ask for? · If an order is broken · Disclosure schemes
Specialist advocacySomeone on your side through the process.
- An IDVA (independent domestic violence adviser) supports people at higher risk, including through court.
- An ISVA supports people after sexual violence; an ISAC supports people being stalked.
- Victim Support helps anyone affected by crime, whether or not you report.
Support you can contact
- Victim Support (England and Wales), free 24/7, 08 08 16 89 111
- England: National Domestic Abuse Helpline, free 24/7, 0808 2000 247
- Wales: Live Fear Free, free 24/7, 0808 80 10 800
- Scotland: Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline, free 24/7, 0800 027 1234
- Northern Ireland: Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline, free 24/7, 0808 802 1414
Short pathway: help with police or court · Criminal court checklist
Sources
Nothing on this page is saved or sent anywhere. Legal summaries are simplified, labelled by nation, and should be checked with a specialist.
Printable resources for this step
Blank Stand Your Ground templates, not official forms. Nothing you write is sent to us. Downloads and printing can leave traces on a device, so use one you feel is safe.
Police reporting preparation checklist
Things you might want to have ready, and questions to ask, if you decide to report.
Evidence organisation checklist
A way to keep track of what evidence exists, where it's kept and who has a copy.
Stalking incident log
A blank log for dates, what happened, where, witnesses and impact, to help show a pattern.
Victim Personal Statement preparation guide
Prompts to help you think about how a crime has affected you, before writing your Victim Personal Statement.
NFA decision and review-options guide
What 'no further action' means, questions to ask, and how to ask for a review in each part of the UK.
General information only. This does not replace advice from a solicitor or specialist domestic abuse service about your own situation. The law and court procedures differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and they change.
- Covers:
- England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
- Sources last checked:
- Qualified legal review:
- pending, please check details with a solicitor or advocate before relying on them