Further Action
When you have had time to think about what has happened, and talked it over with a specially trained domestic violence officer, you need to decide whether or not you want to press charges.
Perpetrators rely on the fact that most victims do not press charges. It is important to realise that if action is not taken against an offender, it is likely to happen again. No other type of crime has a rate of repeat victimisation as high.
GMP realises and understands the very difficult decisions that have to be made and police officers will support you in whatever way they can. GMP work with a lot of other agencies, such as housing, victim support, local refuges etc and there are many options available to you other than court.
Once the decision to prosecute is made, witness support is available. The police will let the court know about previous incidents of domestic abuse so that they can take this into consideration when making decisions about bail and sentencing.
The courts have many ways of dealing with offenders. This may not be a prison sentence. They will look at various options and evaluate the effect it would have on you and your family and decide on a best course of action.
Some of the options may be Prison, Probation, Fine, Community Service, attendance on Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programme, Alcohol or Drug treatment Etc
If you are required to attend court and have any fears about either attending court or facing the offender then police can request special measures such as pre-court visits so you feel more comfortable on the day, or the use of a screen in court so you do not have to see the accused.
In the majority of cases where a victim gives evidence in court, the offender is convicted, giving the victim the chance to start to rebuild their lives with the help and support of a wide range of services available.
Ongoing support, help and advice are available regardless of whether or not the offender is prosecuted.
Perpetrators rely on the fact that most victims do not press charges. It is important to realise that if action is not taken against an offender, it is likely to happen again. No other type of crime has a rate of repeat victimisation as high.
GMP realises and understands the very difficult decisions that have to be made and police officers will support you in whatever way they can. GMP work with a lot of other agencies, such as housing, victim support, local refuges etc and there are many options available to you other than court.
Once the decision to prosecute is made, witness support is available. The police will let the court know about previous incidents of domestic abuse so that they can take this into consideration when making decisions about bail and sentencing.
The courts have many ways of dealing with offenders. This may not be a prison sentence. They will look at various options and evaluate the effect it would have on you and your family and decide on a best course of action.
Some of the options may be Prison, Probation, Fine, Community Service, attendance on Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programme, Alcohol or Drug treatment Etc
If you are required to attend court and have any fears about either attending court or facing the offender then police can request special measures such as pre-court visits so you feel more comfortable on the day, or the use of a screen in court so you do not have to see the accused.
In the majority of cases where a victim gives evidence in court, the offender is convicted, giving the victim the chance to start to rebuild their lives with the help and support of a wide range of services available.
Ongoing support, help and advice are available regardless of whether or not the offender is prosecuted.
Copyright © 2005 d2 Digital by Design