How the police can help

Domestic abuse officers

Within Devon and Cornwall Police, we have specifically trained domestic abuse officers, who will support you and help you through the process.

Your local domestic abuse officer can:

• advise you about your personal safety and prevent further offences happening to you
• provide support for any problems or worries
• co-ordinate help from other agencies if you choose
• ensure you are informed about criminal proceedings and any changes in bail conditions
• support you if you need to attend court

You can speak in confidence to the domestic abuse officer even if you do not wish for any official police involvement. To contact your local domestic abuse officer call 08452 777 444.

The law

We have powers to intervene, arrest, caution or charge an abusive partner, if this is the most appropriate course of action, and the best way of preventing the abuser from abusing again and endangering lives.

There is no specific crime of domestic abuse under criminal law, however the abuse can be categorised under other types of crime which we can arrest under e.g. assault, false imprisonment, criminal damage, harassment, attempted murder, rape.

Detaining arrested abusers

We have strict and limited powers as to the length of time a person is detained for at a police station - usually 24 hours. If the person is arrested but not charged no bail conditions can be set.

Charging and bail conditions for abusers

We only have the power to impose conditions on a person who is arrested and charged of an offence. Requirements may include a condition of residence, not to go within a specified distance of a person or location, to sign on at a police station or the imposition of a curfew.

Broken bail conditions

We can also arrest someone who has broken bail conditions, or an injunction with powers of arrest.

Other forms of help

If you feel you do not want to involve the police, action through the civil courts is possible and you may wish to consult a solicitor.