Witnessing DV and giving statement

[Clmtrrtox]

I witnessed my neighbour being physically violent and throwing furniture at his girlfriend in the car park, pushing her, swearing, kicking her.

I had my 2 year old son with me in my arms and we stood and watched the whole thing until I managed to calm them down and separated them.

I went to my car and called the police. They came back and started again.

She called the police and I was still giving live updates. My son even told the police what he saw too "the man pushing the lady".

They both know I saw it all called the police. Police arrived and I went on with my day. I saw my neighbour this morning and he didnt look at me.

Today, the police told me my neighbour had been arrested and asked if I could give a witness statement as I was the only person to see. I agreed and they will be calling me tomorrow.

The only concern I have is that this man has links to the traveller community, is clearly violent and I am worried he may approach me and my son. He is being released on bail investigation.

I have only spoken to him once asking him to move his van from my space and he answered me back, but thats it. Im not scared of him, but a little wary as I was not expecting him to be a domestic abuser.

He also has a son who must be around 3 and a daughter maybe 5 or 6.

Am I doing the right thing in agreeing to give a statement and potentially testify in court?

Of course you should. Is the neighbour still living in the same house as his partner?

You are absolutely doing the right thing. Well done for reporting this.

Yes you are absolutely doing the right thing. Imagine you were the victim of this - you’d hope others who witnessed would help protect your little son in this way. But your wariness is totally understandable. You can ask the police whether any special protections can be put in place, I’m not sure whether you’d be eligible to be named as do not approach in bail conditions, for example. I’m assuming given the violence and age of his children he will not be released to the family address.

You're doing the right thing.

Also, make sure you have cameras/ring doorbell.

Good for you! Do it!

His partner has her own place she just stays with him. His kids arent with him all the time so assuming theyre shared with his ex partner

I was told I could be named in bail conditions once evidence has been disclosed as they will need to disclose my name and the fact I blatantly witnessed the entire thing. I was about 4 ft away

That’s good, and hopefully provide you some reassurance, that if he comes anywhere near you (and your son- potentially he could be named too?) you are able to call the police immediately regardless of what he is doing.