Sometimes, the best way to keep yourself safe is to call the police – especially if you feel like you are in immediate danger, if you have been injured by your partner, or if your restraining or protective order has been violated.  While you may be hesitant or afraid to call the police, they may be able to give you help and protection when you need it the most.

What Do I Need to Know?

The police may be able to help you in many critical ways:

• Calling the police may stop the abuse long enough for you to escape to a safe place.
• Depending on your state, the police may be able to give you a restraining order.
• The police may arrest your abuser for hurting you or violating your restraining order.
• The police may help you to document the abuse, including taking pictures of your injuries and interviewing witnesses.
• The police may help you find further assistance in your community at a local domestic violence shelter or agency.

What Can I Do?

If the police are contacted, remember these important tips:

• When you call 911 or your local police department, tell them you are in danger and you need help immediately. If the police do not come soon, call again and tell them that it is your second call.
• If you have a restraining or protective order, make this clear when you make the call. Once the police arrive, show the police the order and the proof of service. If you do not have these papers, ask the officers if they can look it up in their computer system.
• When the police arrive, get the officers’ names and badge numbers.
• Ask the police to take pictures of your injuries and interview any witnesses.
• Insist that a report be filed and get the report number. If they refuse to take a report, go to your local police department and file one yourself that day or the next business day.
• If you believe you’ll be unsafe once the police leave, get information from them about local agencies you can go to for help. You can also ask about getting an emergency protective order that can help protect you immediately.
• On the next business day, call the police department to get the name and phone number of the detective or investigator assigned to your case. Call that person to get more information.