In the State of Wisconsin, Domestic abuse is a crime! If you are suffering from domestic abuse, you should contact the Sturgeon Bay Police Department.

Here's why you should call the police, and how they can help you:

-The Police can protect you from immediate danger and help you and your children.

-The Police can arrest the abuser without a warrant, when the police officer has good reason to believe that an assault has taken place or is taking place or that the abuser has violated a restraining order.

-The Police will advise you of Domestic Violence Services, including shelter programs.

-The Police must write out a police report, which is a detailed account of what happened to you. A police report can be used to help prove the abuse occurred which may be helpful in a variety of court hearings including a Restraining Order hearing. However, you do not need to have a police report to file for a protection order.

When the Police arrive:

-Try to stay calm. Even though you are in a crisis situation, it's very important to stay as calm as you can. Keep in mind, the more information a person can effectively communicate to the police the more likely the response will be what the person needs.

-Ask that a report be filed. Officers are required to file an official report for every domestic violence case they respond to, even if no other police action was taken.

-Describe the incident in detail. No one knows what took place better than you. Do not be intimidated or frightened when the officers ask you for a statement--this is just a way of putting what happened in your own words. You will be asked to read what the officer has written to make sure it's correct. The police will not know what happened at the incident unless you tell them.

-Show the police any injuries, bruises or damaged property. This is evidence! Visible proof provides more facts the police will take into consideration. If there is no physical proof (for instance, you were being threatened or experienced pain), simply explain, clearly, what happened.

-Have the police photograph any injuries or damaged property. Also, keep in mind that many injuries, such as bruising, do not show for several days and may also worsen over time. Be sure and have the contact number of the police department and request that follow up photographs be taken. Your medical provider may also be able to take photographs.

-Tell the officers if there were any witnesses. They help validate the fact that something has taken place.

-Tell the officers about other violent incidents. Past abuse is part of an abusive pattern. Previous assaults help explain the danger involved in your situation.

-Show the officers any court documents you have, such as a Protection Order. In particular, keep a certified copy of a No Contact Order, a Restraining Order or Protection Order with you at all times.

-Ask the officers for their business card, case number of the report and a phone number. Call the officers with any concerns or questions while the incident is being investigated.

The graphic below shows how abusive behaviors, based on the
Power and Control Wheel can violate which specific Wsiconsin state laws. This diagram shows that these behaviors ARE CRIMES, and that the Police can help you in these matters!

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This page was developed in partnership with HELP of Door County, who provided much of the information available on it.


Click Here to visit HELP's website


Click Here to Contact the Sturgeon Bay Police