Guides

What to bring to the police after domestic violence

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. When you can, it helps to have the basics in one place, short enough to hand over at the door.

The first page: what is happening now

• Who is there, and who to call.
• Any protection order, with a copy of it.
• What happened most recently, with the date and time, in your own words.
• The evidence for that incident: photos of injuries or damage, the messages, the voicemail.

Behind it: the history

Earlier incidents, earlier police reports, and medical records belong behind the first page, in date order. The Hotline’s list of evidence includes “Police reports of when you or a witness called the police” and “Medical reports of injuries from the abuse”.¹

Write down who came

NNEDV’s incident log includes the officer’s information when you report.² Note the officer’s name and any report or case number they give you, so you can ask for the report later.

Ask how it works where you live

The Hotline suggests you “Call your local police department’s non-emergency number” to find out how filing a report works there.¹