What to know if you plan to file a police complaint

If you or someone you care about is experiencing abuse, involving the police might feel like an important step. Police action may be life-saving or help connect you to protection and support.

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Even with progressive laws, the process of seeking help from police or law enforcement can be slow and intimidating. You may also be met with threats or retaliation from your partner. This can make you want to withdraw your complaint, “settle” the matter, or stay silent.

That’s okay, your safety comes first, seek help when you feel ready. It’s normal to feel unsure, afraid, or worried about not being believed or being judged, but fearing judgment is not the same as accepting it.

If you’re supporting someone else who may be in an abusive situation, listen without pressure. They may not feel ready or safe to involve the police. Respect their choices and boundaries, your trust and care can make a big difference.

  • Your safety comes first. Only take steps you believe won’t put you at further risk. Filing a complaint may lead to the police visiting your home to ask questions or gather evidence. Think about what that may mean for your safety.
  • You don’t need to be in a married relationship. If you’re in a live-in or domestic relationship, you’re eligible to file a complaint. 
  • No time limit on reporting. You can report an incident days, weeks, or months later. What matters is that you feel ready. You may be asked why you waited or didn’t come forward earlier, but it’s okay if you did not feel ready yet.
  • No legal knowledge or lawyer needed. A complaint is simply your account of what happened, in your own words. You don’t need legal knowledge or a lawyer to file it.
  • You can file a complaint at any police station. For domestic or sexual assault, you can file a complaint at any police station. This is called a Zero FIR. Even if the incident happened elsewhere. Police must record it and send it to the correct jurisdiction.

 

  • Be ready to describe what happened.  You may be asked, “What happened today?” Share what your partner did and how it made you feel unsafe. If you’re afraid for your life, say so.
  • You don’t need documents or proof. If you have evidence like photos or messages, you can submit them, but it’s not mandatory.
  • You don’t have to go alone. You can ask someone you trust, a friend, family member, or support person, to go with you. In fact, they can also file the complaint on your behalf if needed. You can also call <resource> for support. 
  • You have the right to feel safe. You can ask for a woman police officer to take your complaint. This is especially important in cases of domestic or sexual violence.
  • Stay as calm as you can. It’s okay to feel emotional or cry. Just try to focus on describing what happened as clearly as you can.
  • You have the right to say no to “compromise”. Abuse is not a private or “household” matter — it’s a serious issue, and the police are required to take your complaint seriously.
  • Check before signing. Ensure the complaint reflects what you said. If there are things you can’t remember, it’s okay to say that.
  • Keep a free copy of your complaint. Make sure to ask for a stamped and signed xerox copy of your complaint with a complaint number and Daily Dairy Number, you’re entitled to it for free.
  • There are no fees for filing a complaint or an FIR. You do not need to pay bribes or offer money to get your complaint registered. If someone demands payment, you can report it to a senior officer or reach out to a helpline for support.
  • Expect police follow-up. Police might come to your home or ask more questions before registering an FIR, or may refer your case to the Crime Against Women (CAW) cell.

 

  • Filing an FIR: If the police find grounds to proceed, they’ll file a First Information Report. This is the start of the legal process. A lawyer can help you understand your options based on your case.
  • Court proceedings: The case could go to court, as a criminal or civil matter, depending on the situation.
  • “Why didn’t you report this earlier?”
  • “Do you have any proof?”
  • Can’t you just talk it out and find a way to adjust?
  • Why didn’t you leave earlier?

 

You don’t have to answer these questions if you don’t want to. These questions can feel blaming or dismissive, but your experience is real and valid — no matter when you speak out or what kind of evidence you have. 

Abuse is never your fault. You have the right to safety and support.