How the police can help

The police are legally bound to take reasonable action within their powers to safeguard the rights of victims of crime and children. 

Police forces have special units (Domestic Violence Units or Family Protection Units) with officers trained to respond to incidents of domestic abuse.

Police action at all stages should ensure the effective protection of victims and children, the effective investigation and enable the criminal justice system to hold the offender to account. It is the decision of the police officer whether or not to arrest a suspect. Guidance to the police makes it clear that victims should not be asked to decide about this. In practice, where there is a power of arrest the officer will usually use it to prevent further offences and allow the investigation to be completed. Where the officer decides not to use a power of arrest the reasons for this must be recorded and explained to the victim.

Where there is evidence of criminal offences the police refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service who decide on prosecution. The CPS, not the victim, decides whether a domestic abuser should be prosecuted. The decision to prosecute domestic abusers is made by the CPS not by the victim.