Voluntary Police Interview for Domestic Violence

A voluntary police interview for domestic violence or abuse is a formal interview where you are asked to attend the police station to discuss an allegation.

If you’ve been asked to attend a voluntary police interview for domestic violence in the UK, it’s natural to feel anxious and unsure about what lies ahead.

Understanding your rights, the process involved, and how to prepare can make a big difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know in plain, straightforward language.

Always get legal advice before attending a voluntary interview. A criminal defence solicitor can make sure you understand your rights and help you navigate the process in the safest possible way.

If you've been invited to a voluntary police interview for abuse, call our Moeen & Co. Solicitors at 0203 959 7755 to guide you through every stage.

Table of Contents

What is a voluntary police interview for domestic violence?

A voluntary police interview for domestic violence is when the police invite you to attend the station to answer questions about a domestic abuse allegation.

It’s called "voluntary" because you're not under arrest and can technically leave at any time, but the interview is still recorded and can be used as evidence in court.

Even though it's called "voluntary police interview," the situation is serious, and having an experienced criminal defence solicitor by your side is highly recommended.

If you are facing a voluntary police interview for domestic violence, contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors now at 0203 959 7755 for clear, professional advice.

Why might you be invited for a voluntary interview in a domestic violence case?

The police may request a voluntary interview for domestic abuse if they receive a complaint from a partner, ex-partner, neighbour, or family member. Allegations could include:

• Physical assault
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Controlling or coercive behaviour
• Harassment or stalking

Even if no charges have been filed, what you say during the interview could heavily influence the outcome of the case.

Do I have to attend a voluntary police interview for domestic violence?

You are not legally required to attend a voluntary interview for domestic violence, but refusing could lead the police to arrest you to secure your interview. It's usually better to cooperate with the assistance of a criminal defence solicitor who can guide and protect you throughout the process.

Can I refuse to attend a voluntary police interview?

Technically, yes, you can refuse. But in most cases, the police may then decide to arrest you instead. It’s often better to attend the interview with a solicitor and cooperate under legal advice than risk an arrest.

What should I do if I am invited to a voluntary police interview for domestic violence?

If you are invited to a voluntary police interview for domestic abuse, stay calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors at 0203 959 7755 for expert advice and representation.

 Here’s what you should do:

1. Consult a solicitor: Speak to our criminal defence solicitor to understand your rights and the implications of attending the interview.
2. Prepare for the interview: Understand that anything you say can be used as evidence. You have the right to remain silent if you feel your response could incriminate you.
3. Stay calm and respectful: Be polite and respectful throughout the interview. This will help maintain a professional atmosphere.

Is a voluntary interview the same as being charged?

No, but it could lead to being charged. While you are not under arrest during a voluntary interview, the police are gathering evidence. Depending on what you say, they may:

• Take no further action
• Continue the investigation
• Arrest you later
• Recommend charges to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)

That’s why getting early legal advice is crucial.

Can a voluntary police interview lead to charges?

Yes, it can. A voluntary police interview for domestic violence is often part of the police gathering evidence. Based on what you say and other evidence, they may recommend charges to the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service), drop the case, or carry out further investigations.

What happens during a voluntary police interview for domestic abuse?

During a voluntary interview for domestic abuse, you’ll be read a police caution, told your rights, and asked questions about the incident in question. The interview will be recorded, and anything you say may later be used as evidence. That’s why having a domestic abuse solicitor with you is vital.

Key things to know about voluntary police interviews for abuse:

1. Formal Process
2. Risk of Arrest
3. Use of Evidence
4. Importance of Having a Solicitor
5. Recording of the Interview
6. Why You've Been Invited
7. Possible Outcomes

1. Formal Process

You'll be interviewed under caution, meaning the police will advise you that you don't have to say anything. However, if you later rely on something in court that you didn't mention in the interview, it could damage your defence.

2. Risk of Arrest

Although you attend the interview voluntarily, the police do have the power to arrest you during or after the interview if new evidence comes to light.

3. Use of Evidence

Anything you say and even what you choose not to say can be used against you in court. It's vital to think carefully before answering any questions.

4. Importance of Having a Solicitor

A solicitor can help protect your rights, advise you on the strength of the evidence against you, and guide you on what to say (or not say) during the interview.

5. Recording of the Interview

Your interview will be recorded, and any notes taken can also be used as evidence in future proceedings.

6. Why You've Been Invited

The police may ask you to attend a voluntary interview if they suspect you of involvement or believe you have information that could help their investigation.

7. Possible Outcomes

After the interview, the police might decide to issue a caution, charge you with an offence, or drop the matter entirely.

How long does a voluntary police interview for domestic abuse usually take?

Most voluntary police interviews for domestic violence or abuse typically last between 1 to 2 hours, but the time can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the number of questions. Remember, you are entitled to breaks during longer interviews.

What happens after a voluntary police interview for domestic violence?

After the voluntary police interview for domestic violence or abuse, the police will decide whether to take no further action, release you under investigation, issue a caution, or charge you with the offence. The decision depends on the evidence gathered during the investigation.

Once the voluntary police interview is over, the police will review all the information gathered and decide on the next steps.

Here are the possible outcomes after a voluntary interview:

1. No Further Action (NFA)
2. Release Under Investigation (RUI)
3. Formal Caution
4. Charged and Court Proceedings
5. Further Investigation

1. No Further Action (NFA)

The case might be dropped if there's not enough evidence or if it's clear you weren't involved. Note: Even with an NFA, records of the interview may still be kept on file.

2. Release Under Investigation (RUI)

If police need more time to investigate, you could be released under investigation. This doesn't mean you're guilty; it just means inquiries are ongoing.

3. Formal Caution

If you admit to an offence and it's considered minor, the police might offer a formal caution instead of charging you. This is recorded but avoids court proceedings.

4. Charged and Court Proceedings

If there's enough evidence, you could be formally charged. This means you may have to attend court, either on bail or via a summons.

5. Further Investigation

In some cases, the police might need to carry out more investigations after the interview before making any final decisions.

Important Tip: Always have a duty solicitor or criminal defence solicitor present before, during, and after a voluntary interview for domestic abuse. They can help protect your rights and guide you if things move forward.

What if the domestic violence allegation is false?

Unfortunately, false allegations do happen. If you’ve been wrongly accused, you must take the situation seriously. our criminal defence solicitor can help challenge the evidence, gather witness statements, and fight to clear your name.

Will this interview appear on a DBS check?

A voluntary interview may appear on an enhanced DBS check, especially if it relates to domestic abuse or if the police believe it's relevant to a position involving vulnerable people. It will not appear on a basic DBS check unless charges are brought and a conviction results.

What rights do I have during a voluntary police interview?

During the voluntary police interview for domestic abuse, you have the right to remain silent, the right to legal advice, and the right to stop the interview and leave at any time. However, anything you say during the interview could be used as evidence, so it's important to consider your responses carefully.

During a voluntary police interview for domestic violence, you have several rights:

• You have the right to legal representation.
• You have the right to remain silent if you don’t want to incriminate yourself.
• You have the right to leave the interview at any time, unless you are arrested.
• You have the right to know that anything you say can be used against you in court.

Do I need a solicitor for a voluntary police interview for domestic violence?

Yes, absolutely. Even though the interview is voluntary, you should always seek help from a solicitor for a voluntary police interview, especially in domestic violence allegations.

Being invited to a voluntary police interview for domestic violence is not something to take lightly. While it may not seem serious at first, the consequences of mishandling the situation can be severe. Having a solicitor present ensures you don’t walk into the interview blindfolded.

If you've received an invitation from the police or are worried about a domestic violence allegation, speak to our expert criminal defence solicitors immediately at 0203 959 7755. The sooner you act, the better your chances of protecting your future.

We can help you understand your rights, protect you during questioning, and ensure you don’t say something that could be misunderstood or used against you later.

Having a solicitor during a voluntary police interview for domestic abuse isn't just about comfort, it's about protection. A solicitor can:

• Ensure your rights are upheld
• Advise you when to answer or not answer questions
• Help you avoid saying anything that might harm your case
• Provide vital support if the police try to pressure you

Contact a solicitor for a voluntary interview for domestic abuse

Invited to a voluntary police interview for domestic abuse? Contact our criminal defence solicitors at 0203 959 7755 for legal advice and representation.