For Survivors of Assault and Battery: When to Call the Police and Why It Matters

Calling the police in a moment of danger can be one of the most important decisions a person makes. Although it doesn't solve every problem and may not be the right choice in every situation, when safety is at risk, involving law enforcement can be the most effective way to prevent further harm and create the legal foundation needed for restraining orders, criminal charges, and civil claims.

Farid Yaghoubtil, a personal injury attorney at Downtown L.A. Law Group who works closely with assault and battery survivors, emphasizes the importance of police involvement when necessary. "I always remind survivors to involve the police whenever their safety is at risk," he says. "Taking that step may be difficult, especially when the perpetrator is someone they know or is related to, but for safety, calling the police is sometimes the only way to prevent the situation from escalating."

Below is clear, practical guidance to help assault and battery survivors understand when calling the police is appropriate and why it matters.

1. Call the Police If You Are in Immediate Danger

The most urgent reason to contact law enforcement is straightforward: you believe harm is about to occur, is already occurring, or could escalate quickly.

Assault and battery incidents often happen suddenly and leave very little time to react. Danger could mean:

• Someone is physically attacking you or attempting to attack you

• Making threats involving a weapon

• Escalating verbal threats that suggest imminent harm

• Cornering you or preventing you from leaving

• Acting aggressively while under the influence

In any of these situations, calling 911 is the safest and most effective way to alert police and get immediate help.

2. Call the Police If You Have Been Physically Harmed

Whether the injury seems minor or severe, contacting police after an assault or battery incident is a critical step. Many survivors minimize what happened because they are embarrassed or unsure how the law defines assault. But any unwanted physical contact intended to cause harm qualifies, including being shoved, hit, grabbed, or restrained.

According to Farid Yaghoubtil, a police response provides two key benefits:

Immediate protection: Officers can separate parties, assess the situation, and provide resources.

Official documentation: A police report becomes foundational evidence if you later seek a restraining order, cooperate with a criminal investigation, or pursue a civil claim for damages.

“This documentation is especially important because injuries sometimes worsen hours or days after the incident,” says Yaghoubtil. “Early reporting helps establish a consistent timeline and record of events.”

3. Call the Police If Someone Is Threatening You and You Believe Those Threats Are Credible

Verbal threats alone may not always result in an immediate police response. However, if someone is threatening violence, stalking you, showing up unexpectedly at your home or workplace, or engaging in behavior that suggests harm may occur, calling the police can help create a record.

“Even if officers cannot take immediate action, having threats on record protects you in the long run,” Yaghoubtil notes.

4. Call the Police If the Person Who Harmed You Is Still Nearby or May Return

After an assault, survivors often feel overwhelmed and want to remove themselves from the situation quickly. Some choose not to call law enforcement because the attacker has left, or they worry that involving police will make things worse.

"However, if the individual remains in the area or has a history of repeated aggression, stalking, or harassment, police involvement is critical," Yaghoubtil explains. “Officers can check for outstanding warrants, issue emergency protective orders, or arrest the individual if there is probable cause.”

5. Call the Police If You Are Unsure Whether a Situation Is Safe

Uncertainty itself is often a sign that the situation has become unsafe or unpredictable. If you are afraid, feel threatened, or sense escalating danger, you should call 911.

Dispatchers are trained to assess the urgency and determine the appropriate response, so allow them to evaluate the situation and get you help quickly if needed.

Why Contacting Law Enforcement Is Important for Legal Protection

From a legal standpoint, contacting law enforcement is one of the most effective ways to protect your rights. For survivors of assault and battery, a police report serves as an official, time-stamped record of what occurred, who was involved, and what injuries or threats were present.

This documentation is essential in any legal action that follows, whether you are seeking a restraining order, cooperating with a criminal investigation, or pursuing a civil claim for damages. Without this initial record, it becomes much harder to establish the facts, especially if the perpetrator denies what happened or if memories fade over time.

"While calling the police is never required to pursue a civil claim, it significantly strengthens your case and ensures access to resources designed to protect you," notes Yaghoubtil, whose firm represents survivors of violence and negligence. "It's one of the most important steps you can take to safeguard your safety, your rights, and your path to justice."

Protecting Your Rights After Assault and Battery

Understanding when and why to involve law enforcement can make a critical difference in both your immediate safety and your long-term legal options. While the decision to call police is deeply personal and may be complicated by relationships or circumstances, having clear guidance about when it's appropriate can help survivors make informed choices in difficult moments.

If you've experienced assault or battery, remember that legal resources and support are available to help you navigate both the immediate aftermath and any legal proceedings that may follow.