How to Press Domestic Violence Charges
A domestic violence charge is the immediate removal of an abuser so that the person being abused is safe. Pressing charges often does not result in a long jail sentence, but it is the starting point in the process. You must press charges when there is violence, otherwise your attacker cannot be arrested.
- Get to a phone and call the police
during or directly after you have suffered domestic violence. You
must file formal charges against your abuser before the police can
make an arrest. After which time you can choose to press charges via
the courts. Do not allow fear of your abuser to not have him
arrested. Many that do not have their attacker arrested end up being
abused again and some lose their lives. The police can keep you safe
while you are in the process of pressing charges, but you must tell
them you are afraid. - Allow the police to take photos of
markings on you body that your abuser caused. This is used as
evidence when you appear in court. You can take your own pictures or
even make a video recording of bruises, cuts, and anything else that
happened during the struggle. Write a list of the various events
that led up to the abuse and how many other times such instances
have occurred. - Take the necessary steps to file
criminal charges against your abuser. A criminal case can result in
probation or prison time. However, if the abuser is convicted, it
begins a process of mandating him to have intense therapy and
treatment. Check out the Domestic
Violence Information and Handbook, which provides you with
references, what do to when you need help now, getting protection
through the court system, and additional information on pressing
charges.