Common Misconceptions About Police and Domestic Assault Calls
by You call the police because you are being assaulted, think you know what will happen next. Maybe you do, but it is more likely you do not.
Domestic calls are some of the most dangerous calls an officer can go on, because they never know when the person they are trying to help will turn on them, trying to protect their attackers. In addition, people have the wrong idea about what police officers can and will do upon responding to a domestic dispute. Here are a few:
- The police are marriage counselors – police are not just going to come out and talk to both parties until both are happy. They are there to find out what is going on and how best to make it stop and in most situations, this means arresting one of the parties (usually the man, but not always).
- Charges can be withdrawn – A victim does not have the right to withdraw a charge. The minute you called 911, police are dispatched and on the way, to help you. Charges will be brought against the abuser. Furthermore, if they see visible marks on you, then they cannot leave without arresting the abuser, it is a law in almost every state.
- If you tell the police you lied, then they will withdraw the charges – that is big misconception. Police are cracking down on women who keep bringing their abusers home and dropping charges, state laws now allow for charges to be brought against anyone who claims to have lied about charges. Therefore, the person being abuse can face charges if they claim to have lied about their original claim.
- Abused person can visit or live with abuser as long as no one finds out – the police do follow-ups and if your abuser is found, he or she will be re-arrested and bail will be denied. You can also face charges as an accessory to the offense.
- My spouse can get out if I tell the court it is what I want – Your desire is not enough to get a court to release your spouse, they broke the law and will be punished for it.
If you are being abused, call the police and let someone help you. Think about yourself and not your abuser. Things can get better. Counseling is an option as long as your abuser is willing, but that does not mean you have to stay around and be abused while waiting for therapy to work.
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