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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

CALLING THE POLICE

If you have been beaten, sexually assaulted or threatened, you can call 911.  Law enforcement will come to your home.  You can also call law enforcement hours after you have been abused, and even the next day.

• When the law enforcement officers arrive at your house, show them any legal or court papers you may have, for example a no-contact order, protection order, or restraining order.
• The law enforcement officers will tell you about your legal rights.
• The law enforcement officers can give you and your children a ride to a hospital or a safe place.  They can go with you to your house to get clothes, medicine, and other important items.
• The law enforcement officers will listen to you and make a written statement.
• Tell the law enforcement officers what happened, and give them as much detail as possible.  They will write down, or tape record, what you say.  If you have any injuries, tell the officers so photographs can be taken.
• The law enforcement officers will give you a list of resources in the community that you can call for help and information.
• Be sure and write down the officers' names.  This information can be important if you have any questions about what will happen next.  Law enforcement understands that you are concerned about your safety.
• Show the law enforcement officers any evidence, such as torn or bloody clothing, broken objects, and/or weapons, so that they can take them as evidence.  Give the officers the names and telephone numbers of any witnesses.
• If you are leaving your house you can ask the officers to wait while you pack for your immediate needs (see checklist).
• If the abuser is taken to jail, s/he may be released quickly.  The abuser most likely will be given the opportunity to post a bond and get out of jail.  Be prepared.  The abuser may be released within a few hours.  To help you better plan for your safety you can check with the jail to see if the abuser will be released.

REMEMBER: a legal advocate through Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse can assist and support you through every step of the legal process.

We at ATVP understand how very difficult the decision to tell someone and/or to report to law enforcement may be. 

We are here to support you no matter what your decision may be. 

Our mission is to help you recover from your assault/abuse, whether that recovery includes reporting to law enforcement or not. 

Please be aware that although the legal process can be painful and difficult, many survivors have found it to have a healing effect.

GETTING AN ORDER OF PROTECTION

You may be able to get an order of protection from the court that will tell the abuser to do certain things.  You do not need a lawyer and you don't have to call law enforcement if you want a protection order.  You will have to talk to a Judge. Legal advocates are available to help you through Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse.

If you are married to the abuser, you do not have to file for divorce to get an order for protection.  You may also need a protection order even if you already have a restraining order or no-contact order.  You can talk to a legal advocate about your safety and to decide if a protection order is right for you.

Remember: A legal advocate through Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse if available to help you every step of the way. 

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