An Initial Response Guide to Achieve a Favorable Outcome After an Assault
What to do first immediately after an assault: securing safety and creating records
Just because the assault has ended does not mean the danger has completely passed.
The very first priority is to separate from the scene and prevent further confrontation. Put physical distance between yourself and the assailant, and seek help from people nearby to stabilize the situation.
In cases of assault, the general rule is to call 112 and request police dispatch. If there is an imminent risk or ongoing threats, reporting immediately is essential.
If injury is suspected, you should also request medical assistance through 119. Dispatch records and call logs generated at this stage often become the starting point for later fact-finding.
Many victims think, “It will probably get better after some time,” but once initial response is delayed, objective evidence disappears quickly.
Medical records and evidence collection: key factors that determine the outcome
The significance of medical records
Even if the pain feels vague or the injuries do not appear severe, it is important to visit a hospital as soon as possible.
Medical certificates, treatment records, and receipts for medical expenses are not merely reference materials—they are critical evidence in both criminal proceedings and damage compensation assessments.
Evidence must be collected “lawfully”
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Bruises and wounds change over time, so photograph them immediately from multiple angles
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If there are witnesses, secure their contact information and make a brief note of when, where, and what they saw
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For nearby CCTV footage, request preservation first rather than viewing (if preservation is missed, footage may be deleted)
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Recording the assault itself or conversations before or after the incident can help secure evidence
That said, the admissibility of recordings is determined by a comprehensive review of how the recording was made, the credibility of the content, and whether it was edited. It is therefore important to clearly document the timing and circumstances of the recording.
When assaulted, the key is not collecting as much evidence as possible, but securing evidence properly, so it does not become disputed later.
Reporting, filing charges, and intent to punish: an irreversible decision point
A 112 report initiates on-site intervention and fact verification. A criminal complaint, on the other hand, is a formal procedure that documents both the facts and the intent to seek punishment.
Under Article 260(1) of the Criminal Act, the crime of assault is classified under Article 260(3) as an offense prosecuted only upon the victim’s complaint (a crime subject to the victim’s intent).
Accordingly, the decision to express or withdraw an intent to punish can dramatically change the direction of the case. Once a statement of no intent to punish is submitted, it may be difficult to reverse after a certain point.
In addition, whether the incident is classified as simple assault, injury, or aggravated assault involving a dangerous object changes not only the applicable provisions, but the entire procedural path.
If this classification is misjudged at the initial stage, it is often very difficult to correct later—no matter how much explanation is provided afterward.
Early organization and documentation determine the result
In assault cases, investigative authorities and courts make decisions based on clearly organized facts and lawfully obtained evidence.
At this stage, Decent Law Office provides the following practical assistance:
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Organizing facts and constructing a clear timeline
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Determining the appropriate charges and procedural strategy
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Reviewing and structuring evidence with a focus on admissibility
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Responding to issues related to intent to punish and settlement documentation
Many people who experience an assault think, “This seems manageable on my own.”
However, if early organization and documentation are insufficient, the outcome can move in a direction completely different from what was intended.
For clients who are troubled and anxious about this issue, assistance that sets the direction correctly from the outset can make a clear difference.
Assault cases are decided in the details.
What you organize and what you preserve at the initial stage directly affects the final conclusion.
Decent Law Office plays a practical role right at that starting line.
Before it is too late, consider obtaining professional assistance to prepare materials that are appropriate for your situation.
