What should be included in a domestic violence incident report?

In a domestic violence incident report, it is essential to include witness statements and detailed descriptions of the incident. This comprehensive approach allows law enforcement and relevant authorities to capture a complete picture of the event, which is crucial for both immediate intervention and any potential legal processes that may follow.

Witness statements provide additional perspectives and can corroborate the victim's account, adding credibility and contextual understanding to the report. Details of the incident—such as the date, time, location, and any visible injuries or damage—are also vital as they create a factual basis that can be used in investigations or court proceedings.

Including only the victim's statement, as suggested by one alternative, would limit the information available to law enforcement, potentially undermining the investigation. While medical records may be important in certain contexts, they are not typically part of the initial incident report. This reinforces the idea that a thorough report relies on multiple sources of information to ensure accuracy and completeness.