Assault
As assault is where a person intentionally or recklessly uses unlawful force against someone else. Assaults are usually categorised by the injuries caused. Common assault, actual bodily harm (ABH) and grievous bodily harm (GBH) are all criminal offences and cover a range of injuries from bruises or scratches through to life threatening injuries.
However an assault can take place even if no force is used. If someone threatens to assault you, but there is no physical violence, then the threats alone could be enough for this to be considered an assault. If someone intentionally spits at you then this may also be an assault.
Select any card you feel you need to. Once you've done this, use the "See my options" button to get your advice.
You do not have to select a card from every category. You can also view our general advice.
Victim/Witness
I have been assaulted
You have been assaulted, or threatened with assault, and want to report it to the police
Someone I know has been assaulted
Someone you know has been assaulted, or threatened with assault, and you want to report it
I witnessed an assault and want to report it
You witnessed an assault to someone you don’t know and want to provide a statement or tell the police
I have been spat at
Someone has intentionally spat at you and you wish to report it
My child has been assaulted at school
You want advice after your child was assaulted at school
There are witnesses
Someone saw the incident happen
I don't think there are any witnesses
You don't know if anyone saw what happened
Your situation
I am under 16 and have been assaulted
I have been assaulted and am under 16 years old
This has happened more than once
This isn't the first time this has happened
I do not speak English very well
English is not your first language and you may have difficulties discussing your concerns
I feel I've been targeted
If you feel that you have been targeted for a particular reason please make sure you tell us this
The person who did this
I think I know who did this
You have details of, or suspect you know who committed the crime
I’m related to the person who assaulted me
You may have been assaulted by someone in your family or a partner
I don’t know who committed the crime but I do have a description
You have a description of what the offender looks like or the car they are driving
I don't have a name or description of the person, but I have other details
You do not have any description or names of those involved, but do have details such as their address, their place of work, their number plate, online details etc.
Someone I know has details about who did this
Someone believes they have information about the person or people who have done this
I don't know who did this
You do not have any details of who is involved in this
Evidence
There is video footage or photos
There may be CCTV, video or images of the incident or offender
There is evidence which could identify the person responsible
There may be evidence such as bodily fluids, fingerprints, footprints or saliva
They left something behind
The suspect may have left an item behind
There are verbal or written comments
The suspect said something, left graffiti, or wrote something online or sent emails or messages
I have injuries
You have physical wounds, bruises or scratches
I don’t know if there is any evidence
You are unsure if there is evidence that can help with the investigation
Concerns
This is affecting my mental or physical health
You would like support following this incident
I'm worried about going to court about the assault
You do not feel comfortable taking part in a trial or hearing
No physical violence was used
While no violence was used, someone made threats to use violence towards you
I was under the influence of drink or drugs
You had been drinking or had taken drugs prior to the assault.
I did not take photos of my injuries
You did not keep any images of your injuries following the assault
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