How to Report Domestic Abuse to the Police Safely

If you are in immediate danger, call 999

If you are in danger right now, or you think someone else is, call 999. You do not need to be certain, and you do not need to have "proof" — the police would far rather attend a call that turns out to be less serious than miss someone who is being hurt.

If you cannot speak safely, you can still make contact. Stay on the line and the operator will ask you to respond by pressing 55, or by coughing, tapping the handset or using a yes/no response. This is sometimes called the Silent Solution, and the call will be treated as an emergency. Try not to hang up. If you can, move somewhere the operator might hear background noise, or where you can whisper.

When you get through, the call handler is likely to ask:

• Your name, address and where you are right now
• Whether the person who has hurt you is still nearby, and whether they have access to weapons
• Whether there are children or other people in the property
• What has happened most recently, and whether you need medical help
• Whether you have somewhere safe to go tonight

Answer what you can. You are not expected to have a script — even a few details help officers keep you safe.

Reporting abuse that is not an emergency

If the abuse is not happening at this moment, call 101 or use your local police force's online reporting form. You can also walk into a police station, though it is worth ringing ahead if you would prefer to speak to a trained officer rather than a front-counter member of staff.

You can report on someone else's behalf, too, including if you are worried about a neighbour, colleague or relative. You do not have to give the person's name to raise a concern, although the more information you can share, the more the police can do.

Non-urgent does not mean unimportant. Coercive control, stalking, threats and financial abuse are all criminal offences in the UK, even where there has been no physical violence.

What happens after you report

A report usually triggers a risk assessment, and this will be used to decide how urgently officers respond. You may be asked to give a statement, in person or in writing, and to provide evidence such as messages, photographs of injuries, voicemails or a diary of incidents. Keep anything you have in a place the person you are reporting cannot access — a cloud account they don't know about, or with a trusted friend.

Depending on what has happened, the police may arrest the person, release them on bail with conditions, or apply for a Domestic Violence Protection Notice followed by an order that can exclude them from your home for a period. You will usually be given a crime reference number and a point of contact. Ask who that is and how to reach them.

Asking for specialist officers and extra protection

Many UK police forces have dedicated domestic abuse teams or specialist officers. It is entirely reasonable to ask to speak to one, and to ask that the officer dealing with you is the gender you would prefer. Say so directly:

• "Is there a domestic abuse specialist officer I can speak to?"
• "Can I give my statement to a female officer?"
• "I would like an interpreter, and I do not want a family member to translate."
• "Please put a marker on my address so any future call is treated as high risk."

You can also ask about the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, sometimes known as Clare's Law, which allows you to ask police whether a partner has a recorded history of abuse. An Independent Domestic Violence Advisor can support you through the process, help with safety planning and speak to police and housing services on your behalf. Ask whether you can be referred to one.

Practical steps to protect yourself while you report

Reporting is often the point of highest risk, so plan around it.

• Use a phone or device the other person cannot check, or call from a safe location.
• Tell the police your safe contact times and the number they should use — and ask them not to leave voicemails if that is unsafe.
• Ask what will happen if you decide not to support a prosecution. In some cases, police can proceed with other evidence.
• Keep a bag with essentials, ID, medication and any documents somewhere safe, even if you are not ready to leave.
• Agree a code word with a friend or neighbour who can call for help if they hear it.
• Note down any bail conditions and report breaches straight away — breaches matter.

Support, refuges and your next step

You do not have to leave, and you do not have to press charges, to deserve help. Refuges and community-based survivor services accept self-referrals and referrals from police, GPs, housing and social care. Many offer confidential advice, advocacy, counselling and practical help with benefits and housing, and they can talk through your options without pushing you towards a decision.

If leaving feels possible, refuge accommodation can be arranged at short notice, sometimes outside your local area for safety. If it does not feel possible yet, safety planning and ongoing support are still available — and the door stays open whenever you are ready. Reaching out once does not commit you to anything, and it does not mean you have to go through with anything you are not ready for.