Saturday, December 02, 2006

Get the police on your side


In matters of domestic violence there appears a wide disparity in the advice people receive from the police.

I always advise my clients to call the police at the first sign of trouble. It is a priority of this Government to focus on domestic violence and racially motivated crimes so the police are supposed to prioritise such incidents. Not so when it comes to anecdotal incidents I've been told about.

" If you want to sort this out get your solicitor to take him to Court. That's what you pay her for."

"Next time you are involved in a domestic incident don't call the police."

" I know he's been convicted and told not to contact you but he may have called your number by mistake. If it happens again we will arrest him."

" I know she's admitted that she threatened to kill you, but she did not have a knife in her hand at the time and women can get away with saying such things so we will not be arresting her."

The police have a statutory duty to investigate incidents such as a threat to kill. If you are in fear call them . If violence is taking place call 999. Do not be fobbed off.

There are civil procedures available but they are expensive and those qualifying for public funding will usually not receive assistance if they have not involved the police!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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