It can be difficult to understand how the police and court processes work, this page has been designed to help give you a better understanding of these.
What crimes are classed as domestic abuse? Some examples;
Coercive and Controlling Behaviour
Common Assault – S39
Actual Bodily Harm – S47
Grievous Bodily Harm – S20 (without intent)
Grievous Bodily Harm – S18 (with intent)
Attempted Murder
Malicious Communications
Threats to Damage
Criminal Damage
Rape
Assault by Penetration
Burglary
Harassment
Stalking
Breach of a Non-Molestation Order
Theft
Sharing or threatening to share private/indecent images.
Possession of an offensive weapon.
Threats with an offensive weapon.
Voyeurism
Threats to Kill
False imprisonment
Types of Criminal Courts
Magistrates
Lower level crimes.
Maximum sentence of 12 months imprisonment.
Involves 3 magistrates and a judge.
Crown
Higher level crimes.
Maximum sentence of life.
Trial by Judge and jury.
Victims right to review
•If you are unhappy with how the investigation has been handled by the officer or the outcome, under the Victims Right to Review Scheme you have the opportunity to complain and/or challenge this.
•Complaints can be made through GMP/appropriate police forces website.
•An Inspector will then review this – this can be a lengthy process.
•If you are unhappy with a court outcome you can request an explanation through the CPS as to why the decision was made, this can be requested through witness care.
Click here for further info; Victims Right to Review Scheme
Support through the court process
If you are a high risk case your IDVA can;
• Ensure special measures/restraining order have all been requested prior to the court date.
• Support with your Victim impact statement.
• Discuss safety planning around court.
• Call the courts for outcomes.
• Attend court with you.
Volunteers to support you will be available within the witness suite at court.
How a Safe in Salford IDVA can further support you through the process:
During the investigation
• They can liaise with the Officer In Charge (OIC) to obtain info on bail conditions, etc.
• They can email the OIC for updates or clients can call/submit online through GMP website 101 to request an update.
• If out of area they can request OIC details through 101 within that force.
• They can support with the ABE (Achieving best evidence) video interview.
• If children are making statements they will require an appropriate adult to be present.
Once charged
• Once the offender has been charged and court date set, a witness care officer will be allocated.
• You will be able to request special measures for court; screens, video link, separate entrance and request a restraining order.
• If the offender is remanded they can check with Witness Care if there are any upcoming bail hearings and call the courts on these dates to check if they will be released.
Coercive Control explained
Coercive Control is a crime and can carry a prison sentence of up to 5yrs.
Coercive control describes a range of behaviours that allow someone to gain or keep control of a partner, ex-partner or family member. The government defines this as (info from SafeLives website):
Control: ‘A range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.’
Coercion; ‘An act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.’
The link below has information taken from the CPS website to help explain some of the types of Coercive Control.
For more detailed information please visit the CPS website – click here
If you often find yourself wondering “is my relationship healthy?”, we can help you. Find out more about the work we do, or get in touch.
Contact us
Talking to someone about how you feel can be the first step to getting the right support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately, we are not an emergency service and are not available 24/7.
Always ring Greater Manchester Police on 999 if you’re in need of urgent help or are in danger.
Safe in Salford’s helpline & services are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
You can use the contact form below at any time and we will respond to you during opening hours.
Yes, all correspondence, in-person or over email or phone, is treated as completely confidential.
We will only break confidentiality if we believe yourself and/or a child is at risk or in danger or if there is criminal activity involved
Yes, when contacting us, please tell us whether you would prefer to discuss your situtation face-to-face, and we will facilitate this for you.
Yes, simply fill out the contact form below, send an email to info@safeinsalford.org.uk or ring us on 0161 793 3232
Unfortunately, we can only provide domestic abuse support in Salford.
You can get help from local services, press the button below to access Women’s Aid’s Local Service finder
Yes, Safe in Salford offers support for children and young people affected by domestic abuse in their families helping them in forming positive, healthy relationships.
Support can also be offered to young people displaying harmful behaviour in their own relationships.
Supporting someone experiencing domestic abuse can be difficult and complicated, please click the button below to read our advice on supporting someone.
Yes, Safe in Salford also provides confidential, non-judgemental Perpetrator Support for those who recognise their abusive behaviour as a problem and want to work on developing healthy relationships.
Yes, Safe in Salford is completely LGBTQ+/trans inclusive, and we will treat you and your identity with the utmost respect.
The “Get Help Now” section of our website contains information and resources for learning more about domestic abuse, please click the button below view it.
Leaving an abusive relationship can be very risky, our support workers can advise you on how to approach this. You can also refer to Women’s Aid’s article on this by clicking the button below.
