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If
you leave because of an incident of abuse, be prepared. Go to
the police station or to a shelter immediately. Help the police
to help you. They will ask you questions about the incident and
ask you to make a sworn statement. Remember that as a victim you
have the right (under statute in some states) to have a Victim's
Advocate present while filling out the police report.
They
can help bridge the gap between the emotional despair you're feeling
and the police officer who is trying to get as much information
out of you in this state as possible. If you are uncomfortable,
you can ask for a female officer. Don't be afraid to ask to have
someone else there. Some people would rather have a friend or
relative present for support, others prefer the compassion of
a stranger here. Ask for whatever is right for YOU. You will be
asked the standard questions about your abuser: name, address,
date of birth, height, weight, hair and eye color etc.
However,
if you can provide any of the following information, the chances
of your abuser being arrested quickly begin to skyrocket: (don't
count on your memory here, if tends to fail you at the worst moments).
BE PREPARED:
. Social security number
. Year, make and model of any vehicles and the LICENSE PLATE NUMBERS
be SURE to note anything "odd" about the vehicle...cracks,
dents, bumper stickers etc (officers see lists of "suspect"
vehicles during daily briefings and they will be more likely to
remember a bumper sticker than a general vehicle description)
. the abusers place of employment and the address
. scars, marks or tatoos
. places they frequent (bars, friend's houses etc)
. A PHOTOGRAPH
. also be sure to mention any drug use and if known to carry any
type of weapon
You
may even want to write this all down ahead of time and keep it
in your kit, it will make the questioning session with the police
shorter and take some of the strain off of you. It's never an
easy process, but don't forget to take care of yourself emotionally
when you take the step to protect yourself physically.
If
the abuser has fled the scene and you are scared to go back, ask
the police to go with you while you pack clothing and other items.
The Victim's Advocate can usually get this done if your particular
police officer is hesitant about taking this time with you. You
can also file a complaint to the Chief of Police. You can always
call the local sheriff's office if the city cops can't or won't
help you and DON'T take NO for an answer here!!
However,
many times after the officer assists the victim and writes the
reports to pursue prosecution of the offender, the victim attempts
to withdraw their complaint. Often the victim recants their story
and fails to participate in the prosecution of the offender. Some
fear retaliation or abandonment from the offender. In many instances
the victims are dependent upon the offender as the sole means
of shelter and financial support. The State Attorney can charge
the perpetrator but has a better chance of conviction if the victim
is willing to testify.
Other
portions of this web site may help you get assistance regarding
shelter and financial aid.
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