"phoning the police"
Mary tells us that she experienced many violent episodes at the hands of her partner. She was encouraged to telephone the police when this occurred. Mary called the police after the last violent episode.
Here is an outline of what may happen when Mary calls the police.
The police should respond to and investigate all complaints of assault.
The police must talk to you and your partner separately and get a written statement from each of you. The police should arrest your partner if
- it is likely he will continue the assault on you, or
- there are other reasons for arrest, such as if your partner has assaulted you with a weapon or injured you.
The police officer must tell you what help is available in your community.
The police may charge your partner with assault.
October 1998
©1998-1999 Legal Resource Centre of Alberta.
