Do not give your name or any other identifying characteristics. If someone on the other end asks how you know violence is occurring, say, “I heard it. ” Don’t say, “I live next door and can hear it. ” That detail can give away your identity. Instead, simply state the address, details of the abuse, and a description of the abuse you witnessed.
To reach the hotline, call 1-800-799-7233. It is available 24 hours.
You might want to bring pamphlets or phone numbers for domestic violence shelters or hotlines to share. [3] X Research source If you are scared of the abuser, then refrain from telling the victim that you were the one to call the police earlier.
To get a restraining order, you will need to go to your county court and ask for forms. There should be no charge for filing the forms. For more information, visit wikiHow’s How to Get a Restraining Order.
Each state defines domestic violence differently. For example, most states require a physical or sexual manifestation which can be as little as a bare touch without consent. Some states, however, require that the perpetrator use enough force or intimidation that the victim is in fear of their physical safety.
Common signs of physical violence include: bruises black eyes marks on the neck or face Emotional abuse is also domestic violence. Although it may not leave outward signs, it is still damaging. Common emotional abuse includes: humiliating language, such as calling someone names (“stupid,” “ugly,” “crazy,” etc. ) constant criticism or “nitpicking” violent or uncontrolled shouting or screaming Domestic violence also includes financial abuse. With financial abuse, the abuser restricts the victim’s access to necessary finances. Financial abuse includes: not providing access to money to pay for necessities like food, transportation, or medical care requiring the victim to constantly check in about spending money, no matter how small the amount not having access to a credit card and expressing fear about getting one
Instead of reporting domestic violence, you might want to reach out to the victim and ask what they want. You could help the victim come up with a safety plan, or you could put the victim in touch with agencies that help victims of domestic violence. [7] X Trustworthy Source National Domestic Violence Hotline Organization providing lifesaving tools, support, and resources for victims and survivors of domestic abuse Go to source Nevertheless, if the victim is in imminent danger, then you should call the police. [8] X Trustworthy Source National Domestic Violence Hotline Organization providing lifesaving tools, support, and resources for victims and survivors of domestic abuse Go to source If you hear physical fighting, objects being broken, or violent threats like “I will kill you!” then you should call the police immediately.
You may also not be entirely sure if domestic violence is occurring. In this situation, you may be embarrassed if you are wrong. By reporting anonymously, you can avoid a later confrontation with the suspected victim or abuser.
If you are reporting abuse committed against yourself, then you should know that you will probably need to publicly accuse the other person of violence if you hope to see the abuser jailed. If you are being abused and you want help on how to leave your abuser, then you should call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 with questions. The organization also has a website with links to resources, such as contact information for state agencies and brochures on how to create a safety plan.
If the victim wants help putting the abuser in prison, then you can choose to come forward and identify yourself to police. At that point, you can share with police your documentation of all the abuse you have observed.
