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8) Getting Help from the Police
If someone has hurt, threatened or harassed you or your children, the police have a legal duty to help you and to investigate your complaint. There are several laws under which the police can take action, including the “Crime and Disorder Act 1998” and the “Protection from Harassment Act 1997”.
In an emergency, call 999 (a typetalk operator can also put you through). If the person who has abused you is still present, the police will usually arrest them and take them away. The police will take down a statement from you detailing your complaint, and this may later be used in court.
Community Safety Units
Most police forces have specially trained officers or units who specialise in tackling domestic violence, racism, homophobia and disabilism. They will be able to help and advise you about all of the options that are available to you, and to put you in touch with other local organisations who can support you.
In an emergency, ask the police who visit you to put you in touch with their local specialists. If it is not an emergency, contact your local police station and ask to speak to the specialists directly.
Help with Access
You can have a friend or helper with you when you
talk to the police, and the police will also provide an interpreter if this
is necessary for you. If there are problems in accessing the police station,
the police will meet you somewhere where you feel safe and comfortable.
Next: Getting Help from the Criminal Courts