What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Domestic Violence

Should you call 999 right away?

Yes. If you or your children are in danger now, call 999. The police can step in to stop the violence and keep you safe.

When the police arrive, tell them clearly what happened. Mention any injuries, threats or weapons.

If your children were there, say so. This matters for the police report and for any custody case later.

Ask the officer for a copy of the police report, or at least the report number. This official record is what the court will look at for protection orders, custody and divorce.

Should you go to a hospital?

Yes. Go to the nearest hospital or clinic as soon as it is safe. Even minor injuries should be checked, because the medical record links them to the incident.

Ask the doctor for a full medical report. Say exactly how you were hurt and which parts of your body were hit, pushed or grabbed. If you feel shock, anxiety or distress, say that too.

Keep every medical document, receipt and follow-up appointment record. Each later visit adds to your evidence. Photos of visible injuries, with the date and time recorded, also help.

How do you get an Interim Protection Order?

An Interim Protection Order (IPO) is a short-term court order under the Domestic Violence Act 1994. It can stop the abuser from contacting you, entering the family home, or coming near your workplace or your children’s school.

You can apply through the police or directly at the court. Often the police will help you apply after you make your report.

In urgent cases the court can issue an IPO on the same day. It lasts until a full hearing.

If the abuser breaks the IPO, that is a criminal offence. Keep the order with you and call the police at once if any condition is broken. After a hearing, the court can replace the IPO with a longer Protection Order (PO).

What evidence should you keep?

Once you are safe, start recording what happened. Photograph injuries, damaged property and the place where it happened. Turn on your phone camera’s timestamp so the date and time are saved.

Keep every message that shows threats or abuse:

• text messages and WhatsApp chats
• call logs
• emails and voicemails

Do not delete anything, even if it is painful to see. Take screenshots and store copies somewhere else, such as a cloud drive or the phone of someone you trust.

Write down what happened while you still remember it clearly: the date, time, place, what was said and done, and the names of any witnesses. It does not need to be formal. It gives you a clear record for your lawyer and, if needed, the court.

Why speak to a lawyer within 24 hours?

The right next step depends on your situation: whether you have children, whether you are married, and whether you want a protection order first or plan to file for divorce.

A lawyer can help you apply for protection orders, advise on temporary custody and plan what comes next. Acting early keeps your options open. Waiting can make emergency orders harder to get and gives the abuser time to make things harder for you.

Looking to engage a divorce lawyer? Once you are safe, if you are unsure what to do next, request independent lawyer contact via WhatsApp: Request Lawyer Contact. For general information, use our guides and tools.