Assault

• If you are injured as a result of the assault you should attend your doctor’s or the hospital immediately to have your injuries treated and documented.  If you are significantly injured, please call ‘000’ and request an ambulance.
• If you have visible injuries, it is recommended you photograph the injuries.
• Write down where the assault occurred, when, who was involved and any witnesses.  This will help you if you wish to report the assault to police by remembering what happened during the assault.

• If you want police to commence an investigation into your assault you will need to attend your local station and speak to a police officer.

• Police will obtain a detailed statement from you and ask you to provide details of what occurred, what was said during the assault and who was involved (e.g. suspect and/or witnesses details).  You will be required to sign the statement, declaring that all information is true and correct.

What do the police do after I report what happened?

• After you have reported the alleged assault to police and a statement has been taken, police will investigate.
• Statements may be taken from witnesses.  Police will attempt to locate and interview the person who you allege assaulted you.  
• If there is sufficient evidence to commence proceedings and the matter satisfies the public interest standards the alleged offender will be required to appear in Court.
• If the offender denies responsibility for the offence you may be required to attend Court to give evidence (your version of what occurred).  A solicitor acting on the offender’s instructions will cross examine you.
• If you have injuries and you have sought medical treatment police may request you to sign a medical release authorising police to obtain details from the treating doctor. 
• If you do not want to be involved in Court proceedings, you should advise the police at the earliest opportunity. 

• The time, date and place of the offence
• Name or detailed description of the suspect including any identifying features
• Vehicle description or registration number (If relevant)
• Names of persons present at the time of the offence and observed the offence occurring
• Details of any CCTV or mobile phone video or images of the offence occurring

• There is no limitation of time to report an assault however any delay will reduce the likelihood of accurate recollection by witnesses and may lead to a loss of evidence.