Understanding the Police Investigation
What happens after you report domestic abuse, stalking, coercive control or child safeguarding concerns.
Once you make a report, the police begin an investigation. Many survivors feel left in the dark, receive no updates, or are told “no further action” with little explanation.
This page explains each stage of a police investigation, what the police should be doing, what rights you have, and what you can do when things go wrong.
1. Recording the Crime
Police must:
- Record a crime or incident
- Classify it correctly (assault, coercive control, stalking etc.)
- Provide you with a reference number
- Create a log of what you reported
If the call handler or officer refuses to record it as a crime, this is a failure and can be challenged.
2. DASH Risk Assessment
Police should complete a DASH risk assessment for domestic abuse cases, which looks at:
- Threats, violence and escalating behaviour
- Control, intimidation and stalking
- Access to weapons
- Risk to children
- History of abuse and patterns
If DASH is not done, or done poorly, the risk level may be wrongly assessed — affecting your safety and future decisions.
3. Taking Your Statement
You may be asked for:
- A written statement
- A video-recorded statement (ABE interview)
You can:
- Bring notes or a timeline
- Request breaks if you are overwhelmed
- Ask for a female officer if preferred
- Clarify anything you said if you feel it was misunderstood
Children’s disclosures should be taken by trained officers or social workers using proper ABE procedures.
4. Evidence Gathering
Police should collect:
- Messages, screenshots and call logs
- Photos of injuries or damage
- Medical evidence
- CCTV or Ring camera footage
- Witness statements
- Device downloads (where necessary)
They should also speak to schools, neighbours, social workers or anyone who may have relevant information.
5. Interviewing the Suspect
The police will normally interview the suspect under caution. This may lead to:
- Arrest
- Bail conditions
- Release under investigation
- No bail conditions at all (common but unsafe)
If bail conditions are needed (no contact, no attending your home etc.) you can request these via the officer in the case.
6. Charging Decision
Once evidence is gathered, the police send the file to the CPS (or prosecutor) who decides whether to:
- Charge
- Offer an out-of-court disposal
- Take no further action (NFA)
This stage often takes months. You should be updated — but often are not.
If you disagree with an NFA, you can request a Victims’ Right to Review (VRR).
7. Safeguarding & Multi-Agency Action
During the investigation, police may:
- Refer to Children’s Services
- Share information with schools or health
- Apply for Domestic Violence Protection Notices/Orders
- Give safety advice or support referrals
If safeguarding is not done properly, risk may be missed.
Your Rights During the Investigation
You have the right to:
- Be treated with dignity and without discrimination
- Receive updates at key stages
- Provide additional evidence at any time
- Request special measures if fear is ongoing
- Challenge decisions such as NFA or downgraded offences
When the Investigation Fails
Many survivors experience:
- No DASH assessment
- No evidence collected
- No arrest despite risk
- Reports lost or misclassified
- Long delays or no updates
- Victim-blaming language in logs
These failures can — and should — be challenged.
You can request:
- A supervising sergeant review
- A complaint to Professional Standards
- An IOPC complaint (for serious failures)
- A Victims’ Right to Review
Joining Up the Police Investigation with Family Court
Many abusers weaponise the gaps between systems.
1VAA helps you:
- Use police evidence in family court safely
- Explain delays or NFA outcomes to judges
- Show risk even without a conviction
- Document police failures for escalation
How 1VAA Helps With Investigations
As a 1VAA member, we can:
- Help you prepare your timeline and evidence
- Support you in giving statements
- Review police responses in plain English
- Help you request reviews or challenge unsafe decisions
- Guide you on how investigations interact with family court and safeguarding
Our priority is your safety and ensuring the system cannot ignore the truth.
If You Need Help Right Now
If you are in the middle of an investigation and feel lost, ignored or unsafe, you are not alone.
Register for support or join 1VAA and we will help you understand what’s happening and what you can do next.