Superintendent of Police Patrick Robin said it is essential that a victim of domestic violence make a report at the nearest police station as soon as possible.
“A victim who has been exposed to domestic violence must understand that it is a serious crime and once that violence is perpetrated, they must make a report to the nearest police station,” he said. Robin said this will ensure that police can obtain all evidence and that the victim receives medical attention if needed. According to a Government Information Agency press release Robin emphasized that it is “very, very important” that a report is made as a small incident can turn into a major crime such as murder or manslaughter.
Robin said the procedure for reporting such a crime entails the victim making a report to the police on duty; after the police interviews the victim they then classify the offence as either being a case of domestic violence or another offence; once the crime has been classified as a case of domestic abuse, the victim is taken into a private room/area at the police station to report the case in confidentiality. The police are then required to gather all information including what occurred, all the persons involved, the date, time and place. The police must then examine the victim’s “exposed body” and note any visible injuries; then ensure that the victim seeks medical attention immediately (if necessary). The police should then seek to apprehend the alleged perpetrator and if evidence suggests that the accused did indeed commit the act charges can be brought against the person.
Robin was adamant that “It is not only the victim’s right to follow up the case (after reporting) but it is the police duty to ensure that they inform the victim of the progress of the case in the court.” He also called on victims to report cases of domestic abuse because “once the violence occurs the first time they need to make a report.” Robin said too the police have found that many people intervene after the victim makes a report and in order to persuade them not to pursue the matter criminally. Further, it was noted that sometimes because persons intervene and encourage the victim to stay with the abuser, “the victims continues to live in that situation until something much more serious occurs and then the police is blamed, saying that they didn’t do anything.”
Robin said “We have a zero tolerance approach to domestic violence. If you are a victim you must make that report to the nearest police station. You cannot get any help from the police if you do not make that report.”
