Domestic Violence & Police Response in Wisconsin
What survivors may expect when police respond to domestic violence calls in Wisconsin.
Understanding Police and Legal Responses in Domestic Violence Situations
Police Scene Actions
When police respond to a domestic violence call, their actions often include assessing the safety of all individuals involved and gathering statements from those present. Officers may separate people to listen carefully and collect necessary information. They typically document visible injuries and any related evidence at the scene.
Arrest vs Report
An arrest occurs when the police take a person into custody based on probable cause that a crime has been committed. In contrast, a report is the official record of an incident made by the police without necessarily resulting in an arrest. Not all reports lead to arrests, and some incidents are documented to inform further investigation or legal proceedings.
Charging Overview
After an arrest, the decision to file charges rests with the prosecutor's office. Charges are formal accusations of a crime and outline the alleged offenses. The type and severity of charges depend on the evidence collected and the laws in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred.
No-Contact Orders
No-contact orders are legal measures that restrict an individual from contacting or approaching another person. These orders may be issued by a court to protect someone during ongoing legal matters and can help reduce unwanted interaction between parties involved in a domestic violence case.