Spousal abuse is any abusive, violent or harmful conduct that occurs between spouses. While spousal abuse can include violence, sexual assaults and emotional abuse, the abusive behavior does not always rise to the level of a crime. Nevertheless, you can always contact the police and report the abuse at any time. Protecting yourself from an abusive spouse or partner sometimes requires the intervention of law enforcement or state officials, and reporting such conduct is within your rights.
Step 1
Talk to a criminal defense attorney. You can talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police to make sure your own rights are protected. Some domestic violence cases involve both parties engaging in prosecutable activity, and you don't want to inadvertently admit to a crime while trying to protect yourself. Talk to a criminal defense attorney so you can be clear of what you should or should not say.
Step 2
Contact the police. You can call 911 if you feel you are in immediate danger; otherwise you can contact your local police department and arrange to talk to an officer. You can arrange to meet him at the police station or have him come to your house to take a statement from you.
Step 3
Document any abuse incidents; this can make the police's job easier. Though it isn't always legal to use tape recorders or electronic surveillance equipment, you can always write down notes and keep track of what happened, when it happened and any other details you can think of.
Step 4
Talk to the police about getting a restraining order or protective order from the courts, and follow through. Many spousal abuse situations are ongoing and pose a significant threat to your health. You can get these orders ex-parte, meaning your spouse does not have to be told about it beforehand. Once notified of the order, your spouse must comply with the court's decision until it is changed. If he violates the order you can call the police and notify them of the violation.
Tips and Warnings
- You don't have to know what the law is to talk to the police. It's not your job to be an expert in what is or isn't a crime. That is up to the state and the court system. You can report what happened, what you saw and what you know. It is then up to the state to investigate the situation and determine if any crime has been committed.
- Get help. Merely reporting spousal abuse isn't a magic spell that will make your life suddenly perfect. If you've suffered at the hands of an abusive spouse, you've probably suffered psychological and emotional trauma that can linger long after any bruises have healed. Talk to a mental health professional and get help so you can start feeling better.
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