The police must investigate reports of child abuse if they think the child is at risk of harm.
They also have the power to take children away from immediate danger and put them into police protection for up to 72 hours.
Your local council will then take responsibility for them, and decide what to do next in their best interests.
When the police look into what’s happened, they will ask social workers to help them. They will investigate crimes, such as assaults and neglect, and may prosecute the abuser.
Working with children’s services and the local council, they’ll try to find the best ways to support the child with or without a prosecution.
If a case goes to court, you or your child may be asked to give evidence. The courts will try to make it as easy for your children as possible.
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