January 8, 03:45, Assault, Gotland County

Police receive a report of a fight in a residence between a man and a woman.

When the patrol arrives at the residence, several injuries are noticed on the woman, and the man is arrested on suspicion of assault.

The woman is taken to the hospital.

Police investigate crimes in close relationships

Police usually become aware of the case first when someone files a complaint. This can, for example, be the person who is being targeted, a neighbor, or a friend who calls.

When police respond to an urgent report, they try to separate the parties first. If there are children in the residence who could be harmed, Social Services is contacted. The person being targeted may need to go to the hospital.

Interviews and documentation are done on the scene

Police conduct an initial interview on the scene and document any personal injuries and material damage, often on video. The person who has been targeted has, with certain exceptions, the right to decide whether their own injuries should be documented or not. Even forensic technicians may be called to the scene to secure evidence of various kinds.

Investigation begins

The investigation, which is also called a preliminary investigation, is intended to gather information about what has happened. A prosecutor is the preliminary investigation leader if the crime involves threats or violence against a family member or former family member.

During the investigation, police conduct interviews with the victim, witnesses, and the suspect. It may also involve gathering various types of evidence.

Depending on what the investigation shows, the prosecutor decides whether the suspect should be charged or not.

Prosecutor assesses detention

The prosecutor assesses whether a suspect should be detained. The court then makes the final decision. If the suspect is detained, the crime will be investigated immediately by the police. During this time, the suspect, the victim, and any witnesses are interviewed.

Threat and risk assessment

If the suspect is released on bail or from custody, for example, due to lack of evidence, the police, prosecutor, or Prison and Probation Service will inform the person who has been targeted.

Police can conduct a threat and risk assessment to see what kind of protection the targeted person needs, for example, contact with a women's shelter or men's shelter, protected accommodation, or panic alarm.