What can I do if the police have assaulted me?

You should go to a doctor as soon as possible. It is essential you ask the doctor to record not only your visible injuries, but also all pain, nerve damage, cartilage damage, tingling, numbness, soreness, aches, stress levels, sleep patterns and thoughts.

cohealth Community health services for  Inner, Western and Northern Melbourne

iehealth Inner East Community Health Service in Ashburton, Hawthorn and Richmond.

Community Health Services directory for Victoria

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre – doctors for asylum seekers

If you contact a Community Legal Centre for assistance, they may be able to help you get a proper forensic assessment.

In custody

If you are in custody, you have the right to see a forensic medical officer, or go to hospital.

At the hospital or clinic:

• If it is not a life-threatening injury consider visiting a doctor or a clinic you trust.

• Record the names of all treating doctors/ healthcare professionals who see your wound(s)

• If appropriate – tell hospital staff how you were hurt.

• Wounds like broken ribs, concussion or torn ligaments don’t show up when photographed so ask the medical staff to write up all your injuries in detail.

• Ask for a copy of your notes, x-ray, scans (you might not be allowed them but ask anyway).

Keep all follow-up care or Doctor appointments!

You only have 31 days to request CCTV footage from public spaces such as train stations and police stations through Freedom of Information (FOI). This valuable evidence will be destroyed after 31 days have passed.

• Take photos as soon as possible – severe injuries may heal quickly depending on your physical health and nutritional status.

• Get a trusted friend to take a picture of your whole body before zooming in for detailed shots of the injured area

• Stand in front of an uncluttered, neutral coloured wall.

• Take images from an assortment of angles and think about who might be scrutinizing these photos at a latter date

• To get perspective take photos with a ruler or something of standard size (like a coin) next to the injury.

• Use the ‘Date & Time’ tagging function on a digital camera to show the injury changing over a period of time.

• Darker skin may not show up injuries so take photos in a well lit place, and be careful with a flash as this may bleach out, or reflect off the skin and make the bruising look lighter than it actually is.

• Keep a diary of the injury as it heals and how it effects your quality of life.

• Remember bruises will darken and grow over time.

• Store all your paperwork, images and evidence in a secure place.

• Keep all follow-up care or Doctor appointments!

Adapted from: Melbourne Street Medic Collective

You need to get support through as many ways as possible.  Friends and family are important,  it is also good to reach out to youth workers, advocacy agencies, legal centres, counsellors, community agencies, people in your community, teachers, fellow workers.  Some people experience extreme fear and distress. Get support. Local youth workers and community supports can be extremely helpful in helping you through the process.

See: Links for Support

See a solicitor as soon as you can to talk about your complaint and other legal options.  There is a 3 year limitation period on civil litigation.

Make an appointment with the Police Complaints Advice Clinic

Community Legal Centres