When you are in danger, you should call the police for help. Even if you think that the incident is not significant or you think that you caused the abuser to abuse you, call the police. This is an important way of protecting yourself and one way of preventing future occurrences of abuse.

What the police will do

• The police should respond to and investigate all complaints of abuse.
• The police may interview family members, caregivers, and neighbours who may have evidence about the incident.
• The police officer must tell you what help is available in your community.
• The police may lay charges against the abuser.

What you will have to do

• You may have to make a detailed statement and sign a written form of your statement.
• You may have to have photographs taken of your injuries.
• You may have to go to a hospital for a physical examination if the abuse is physical or sexual.
• You will have to identify the abuser.
• You may have to testify in court if charges are laid.

What is laying charges?

The phrase "laying charges" comes from a legal process, which is called laying an information. In order for a criminal matter to begin, an information has to be laid by someone who believes that someone has committed an offence.

Return to Getting the Police Involved

Updated: September 29, 2003
© Legal Resource Centre of Alberta Ltd. 2002
OAK-Net: Abuse of Older Adults
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