What happens after you report?

Waiting to hear back from the police can be one of the hardest parts. This guide outlines the usual stages in England and Wales, with notes on Scotland and Northern Ireland. Every case is different, and not every case goes through every step.

1. 1.Making the reportYou can report by phone, online, at a station, or with help from an advocate.

   An officer will usually ask what happened, whether you're safe now, and about any children. They may ask risk questions, such as the DASH checklist in England and Wales. You can ask for a break, an interpreter, or a female officer, though this can't always be arranged.

   You should be given a crime reference number. Write it down somewhere safe. You can ask how and when the police will contact you, and say which ways are safe.

2. 2.Giving a statementThis may be written, or a video-recorded interview.

   A statement records what happened in your words. Some people give a video-recorded interview instead, which can later be used as evidence. You can ask to read your written statement before signing, and to correct anything that isn't right.

   It's normal not to remember everything in order. Fear and trauma affect memory. You can add things later by giving a further statement.

3. 3.The investigationPolice gather evidence. This can take weeks or many months.

   Officers may speak to witnesses, collect messages, phone data or footage, and interview the suspect. The suspect may be arrested, or interviewed voluntarily. You may not hear much for a while, which can be hard.

   Under the Victims' Code in England and Wales, you have a right to be told about key decisions in your case. You can ask your officer how often you'll get updates.

4. 4.Bail and releaseThe suspect may be released with or without conditions.

   After arrest, a suspect may be released on bail with conditions, such as not contacting you or not going to your street, or released under investigation with no conditions. You can ask to be told about this, and what any conditions are.

   If conditions are broken, tell the police. If there are no conditions, you can ask about other protection, such as a protective order. A specialist can help with safety planning during this time.

   Read more: Court orders.

5. 5.The charging decisionPolice or prosecutors decide whether to charge.

   In England and Wales, the Crown Prosecution Service decides on most domestic abuse charges. It applies a two-part test: whether there is enough evidence, and whether a prosecution is in the public interest. In Scotland, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service decides; in Northern Ireland, the Public Prosecution Service.

   A decision not to charge is not a finding that you weren't believed or that nothing happened.

   Read more: How charging decisions are made.

6. 6.If there is no further action (NFA)You may be able to ask for the decision to be reviewed.

   In England and Wales, the Victims' Right to Review scheme lets you ask for certain police and CPS decisions not to charge, or to stop a case, to be looked at again. There are time limits, so it can help to ask quickly. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own review routes.

   Read more: When the system lets you down; review request letter.

7. 7.If the case goes to courtA Witness Care Unit should keep you informed.

   If the suspect pleads guilty, you may not need to give evidence. If they plead not guilty, there will be a trial and you may be asked to be a witness. You can ask about special measures, such as a screen or giving evidence by video link. The court decides which are used.

   You can usually visit the court beforehand, and the Witness Service can support you on the day. You may be able to make a Victim Personal Statement explaining how the crime affected you.

   Read more: Criminal court checklist; Victim Personal Statement.

8. 8.After the outcomeWhatever happens, support is still available.

   If there is a conviction, the court may make a restraining order. If the person is jailed, you may be eligible for the Victim Contact Scheme in England and Wales, which can tell you about release and let you ask for licence conditions.

   If there's no conviction, a restraining order may still be possible in England and Wales where the court thinks it is needed. Whatever the result, you can keep getting support.

   Read more: Recovery and rebuilding.