According to data from the CDC, one in four women and one in seven men will experience intimate partner violence at some point.[1]
It’s a shocking statistic, and it may be even worse because many cases go unreported. If you’re in an abusive relationship or know someone who is, it’s important that you know how to document abuse and prove domestic violence.
Table of Contents
How to Document Abuse
Documenting any abuse, from domestic violence to dating violence and everything in between, is your way of proving what’s happening, even if no one’s around to witness it. The more detailed your evidence, the stronger your case will be.
From physical injuries to digital threats, every type of abuse can and should be documented. Here’s how you can start building a trail of evidence.
How to document physical abuse
Physical abuse is defined as any intentional act causing injury or trauma to another person by bodily contact. This includes everything from slapping and punching to burning and choking. And yes, it’s as scary and serious as it sounds.
If you’re in this situation, the most important thing is not just to get out of the situation but also to document the abuse. Even if you don’t think it’s necessary now, a time may come when you wish you had evidence of the abuse. Evidence is your lifeline, and here’s how you can build it.
First, take clear, well-lit photos of any injuries as soon as possible. Use your phone or camera and make sure the photos show the extent of the injuries. If you can, have someone help you take them to capture different angles.
Date them — your phone’s timestamp can help with that — and make sure you keep these images in a safe place.
Next, seek medical attention immediately and have the doctor record every injury in detail. If you don’t have medical insurance or money to pay a doctor’s fee, go to a women’s clinic or free clinic. They will help you. Don’t forget to ask for copies of your medical records, including any X-rays or scans. These documents are critical and often carry more weight in court.
If the cops showed up (and I hope they did), get a copy of the police report. This official document is gold — it backs up your claims with an authoritative account from law enforcement.
Lastly, keep a private, detailed journal. Every time something happens, write it down — date, time, what happened, how it made you feel. Consistent journaling paints a fuller picture, which helps you establish a pattern of abuse.
How to document digital abuse
Digital abuse is any form of harassment, stalking, or controlling behavior that happens online or through electronic devices. It’s nasty texts, social media stalking, hacking your email, and even revenge porn.
It’s 21st-century torment, and it’s just as real and damaging as the in-person kind.
First, screenshot everything. If your abuser sends you harassing texts, emails, or social media messages, capture them immediately. These could include admissions of abuse, threats of violence, or even photos sent without your consent.
Make sure the date and time are visible on all screenshots. It’s helpful to print out these records, as well, in case you lose digital access later.
If they leave abusive voicemails, save those too. Note the time and date of each message and back them up to a secure location.
If your abuser is logging into your accounts without permission or tracking your location through apps, take screenshots of suspicious activity, like unusual logins or unauthorized posts. Change all your passwords to something strong — consider using a password manager — and document any security alerts that show attempts to access your accounts.
If you suspect spyware or tracking software has been installed on your phone or computer, have a professional check for malware and save the report as evidence.
Here’s the tricky part: storing all this evidence safely. You need to be creative but careful. Here are some ideas:
- Consider a safety deposit box at your bank for hard copies.
- Use secure cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox but make sure your abuser doesn’t have access.
- Send copies of screenshots, document scans, emails, and other evidence to a secure email account that only you can access but be sure to delete it from your sent mail.
- Back everything up on an external hard drive or USB stick and hide it somewhere safe.
- Store evidence on a trusted friend or family member’s phone or computer that your abuser can’t access.
How to document sexual assault
Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual activity, including forced or coerced acts that violate your consent. When you’ve been assaulted, your first priority should be your safety. Find a way to get away from the abuser. Having a pre-planned safety plan can help a lot.
Call 911 as soon as possible after the assault. I know it’s scary but these first responders are a lifeline during times like these, plus they can also connect you with other emergency services and resource centers.
The Department of Justice, through the Office on Violence Against Women, also provides emergency resources for sexual assault survivors in every US state and territory, so help is out there. See the end of this article to learn how to reach them.
As much as you’ll feel the urge to take a shower, don’t! Seek medical attention immediately, ideally at a hospital that offers a rape kit exam. This exam is crucial for collecting physical evidence, such as DNA, that can support your case.
Make sure the healthcare provider documents everything thoroughly — the exam findings, your injuries, and any relevant observations. Ask for copies of these medical records.
When it’s safe, write down everything you remember about the incident. And I mean everything. Date, time, location, what happened, what was said, if anyone else was around. Your brain might try to block stuff out but write down whatever you can recall.
No detail is too small, so be thorough. This written account will help establish a timeline and fill in gaps that physical evidence might not cover.
Here’s something people often forget: Save your clothes, bedding, or anything else that might have DNA on it. Don’t wash them. I know it sounds gross, but this stuff is evidence. Put it all in paper bags (not plastic, which can degrade evidence) and keep it safe until you can give it to the authorities.
One last thing: Take care of yourself. This isn’t just about gathering evidence. It’s about your health and healing. Avoid any contact with your abuser, even if they reach out to you.
In fact, if the a-hole sends you any texts, emails, or social media messages that sound like a confession or threat, screenshot them immediately. Save it somewhere safe. These messages can provide critical evidence of guilt or intent.
Also avoid going home alone. You can crash with your friends, family, or at a local resource center until it’s safe to go back. Lastly, consider talking to a counselor or joining a support group. You’re strong for surviving this, and you deserve all the support in the world.
How to document verbal abuse
Verbal abuse is when someone uses words to degrade, humiliate, or control you. It’s not just “mean talk”; it’s a sustained pattern of cruelty meant to tear you down. If you’re experiencing this, documenting it is crucial because verbal abuse can be harder to prove than physical abuse.
First, if it’s legally allowed in your area, record the incidents. Recordings can provide undeniable proof of the abusive language, tone, and context. Just make sure you know the laws around recording conversations where you live — some states require both parties’ consent.[2]
Second, if the verbal abuse happens in front of others, like friends, family, or even neighbors, take note of who was there. Their testimony could later back up your claims. A witness saying, “Yeah, I heard them call you horrible names,” goes a long way in court.
Third, keep a log of every time the abuse occurs. Write down the date, time, and what exactly was said.
Don’t just write, “They yelled at me.” Be specific. Note the language used and the situation (were you fighting? were you just sitting quietly, and they exploded out of nowhere?), and most importantly, how you felt during and after the incident. Did you feel scared, humiliated, or unsafe? That emotional impact is important.
Lastly, if your abuser sends text messages or social media DMs full of insults or threats, screenshot them. These written attacks can be used as evidence, especially since they’re in black and white.
I know all this is exhausting. It’s like reliving the abuse every time you write it down. But you’re building a case here, and every little bit helps.
How to prove financial abuse in court
Financial abuse is someone using money to control or manipulate you. This can range from controlling all the finances and giving you an “allowance” to running up debt in your name and even preventing you from working.
It’s a sneaky form of abuse that can leave you feeling trapped and powerless.
First things first, start gathering evidence. Pull bank and credit card statements. Look for unauthorized withdrawals, transfers, or large purchases you didn’t approve. These statements are solid proof of their misuse of your finances.
If your partner has taken loans out in your name or forced you into debt, gather copies of the loan agreements and payment histories. This will show a clear trail of financial manipulation and coercion.
Now, if they are messing with your job — maybe forcing you to quit, sabotaging your employment, or stopping you from getting a job altogether — that’s abuse too. Save any emails, contracts, or other documents related to your employment.
If you’ve been forced to quit, try to get something in writing from your employer acknowledging this. Even a simple email or note can help establish the timeline of how and when you lost your financial independence.
If they’ve denied you access to shared accounts or funds, keep copies of any communications where they’ve said as much. This could be a text message where they tell you that you can’t use a joint account or pay a bill, or it could be something subtler, like constantly moving money around without your consent.
Also, note down each time you’ve tried to access your finances but were blocked, even if there’s no direct proof. If you can, consult with a lawyer who specializes in financial abuse cases. They can provide you with legal guidance and help you understand your rights and options.
Every piece of financial documentation you gather will help build a case that shows the level of control your abuser has over your money and, by extension, your life.
Lastly, if you’re able, start squirreling away some money in a secret account. Even small amounts can add up and give you options if you need to leave.
How to prove emotional abuse in court
Emotional and psychological abuse is the use of words, actions, or behaviors to control, manipulate, or harm someone emotionally. It can include insults, threats, gaslighting, isolation, and intimidation.
It doesn’t leave physical scars but it can deeply affect your sense of self-worth, causing anxiety, depression, or isolation.
First up, document everything. I mean everything. Got a nasty text? Screenshot it. Manipulative email? Save it. Threatening voicemail? Don’t delete it. Store all this stuff in a secure place — maybe a password-protected folder on your computer or a cloud service your abuser doesn’t know about. And always, always back it up.
If it’s legal in your state (and please check because laws vary), consider recording phone calls or in-person conversations when abuse happens. Just be careful — if your abuser finds out, it could escalate things.
If your abuser is taking their show on the road and posting hurtful or threatening things online, get the receipts. Screenshot direct attacks, but don’t forget about those vague posts clearly aimed at you. You know, the ones that make you think, “Is this about me?” Yeah, document those too.
You should also start to track how the abuse is affecting your mental and emotional health. Are you withdrawing from friends and family? Feeling anxious all the time? Having trouble sleeping? Write it down. This is evidence of the toll the abuse is taking on you. If you’re worried about a physical journal, open a new email account and email yourself, but delete the messages from your outbox.
Speaking of which, if you can, talk to a therapist or counselor. Not only can they help you process what’s happening, but their professional observations can be valuable evidence. They can document the emotional impact of the abuse from a clinical perspective.
Keep an eye out for love-bombing — when your abuser showers you with affection after a particularly bad episode. This cycle of abuse and reconciliation is common and important to building a strong case in court.
How to document stalking
Stalking is not just an overzealous ex showing up uninvited. It is a pattern of unwanted attention, harassment, contact, or any other behavior directed at you that makes you feel afraid or unsafe.
This can include following you, showing up at your work or home, excessive calls or messages, or monitoring your online activity.
When the stalker is a partner or ex, the situation can be even more dangerous because of their knowledge of your routine and personal details.
To document stalking, keep a record of every incident. Write down the date, time, location, and specific details of what happened.
For example, did they show up at your workplace or outside your home? Did they leave something behind? Every bit of information is important. This not only helps you keep track but provides crucial evidence if you ever need to take legal action.
Save any evidence of stalking — whether it’s text messages, emails, social media messages, or physical items like notes or gifts. These can prove that the stalking behavior is ongoing and unwanted. Be sure to store this evidence in a safe place and back up digital files somewhere secure, like an encrypted folder.
If the stalking continues or escalates, report it to the police. Make sure to get a copy of the police report for your records. If necessary, consider obtaining a restraining order. This legal protection can help keep the stalker away, and having one on file will show the court that you took steps to protect yourself.
Finally, let trusted friends, family, or colleagues know what’s going on. Having witnesses to the stalking behavior or people aware of your situation adds another layer of protection and documentation.
How to Prove Domestic Violence
Whether you’re dealing with physical, emotional, or financial abuse, having solid evidence of domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence (IPV) is really important.
Here’s how different types of evidence can be used to prove domestic violence:
Medical evidence
- Physical injuries: Clear, dated photos of visible injuries (like bruises or cuts) serve as undeniable visual evidence, showing the extent and timing of the abuse, which can be powerful in court.
- Medical examinations: Reports from doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals who examined you and documented your injuries provide a professional assessment of the nature and extent of your injuries, which can be used to corroborate your claims of abuse.
- Emergency room records: Records from emergency room visits or hospital stays related to abuse show the severity of your injuries and the immediate need for medical attention, which can be evidence of a serious act of violence.
- Mental health records: Therapy notes or psychological assessments can show the emotional toll of the abuse and reinforce claims of mental distress and the need for support.
Documentation and records
- Personal journal or diary: A journal with detailed entries documenting incidents of abuse, including dates, times, locations, and specific details, can provide a chronological record of the abuse, establish a pattern of abusive behavior, and show the ongoing nature of the abuse.
- Text messages, emails, or social media posts: Communications from the abuser that demonstrate abusive behavior or threats can be used to show their intent to harm or control you and may also reveal details about specific incidents of abuse.
- Police reports: Copies of any police reports filed regarding incidents of domestic violence can document the fact that you reported the abuse to law enforcement and provide a record of the specific allegations made.
- Court records: Records of restraining orders, divorce proceedings, or other legal actions related to the abuse can demonstrate a history of abusive behavior and the abuser’s willingness to use legal means to control or harm you.
- Financial records: Bank statements, credit card statements, or other financial documents that show control or abuse of finances can show how the abuser controlled or manipulated your finances, which is a form of emotional and/or financial abuse.
- Property damage evidence: Photographs or documentation of any damage to property caused by the abuser can be evidence of physical violence or threats of violence and can also demonstrate the abuser’s willingness to use intimidation or control tactics.
Witness testimony
- Friends and family: Statements from friends or family members who witnessed the abuse or have knowledge of the abuser’s behavior can provide firsthand accounts of the abuse and corroborate your claims.
- Neighbors or coworkers: Witness testimony from neighbors or coworkers who may have observed abusive behavior or heard arguments can provide additional evidence of abuse.
- Domestic violence shelter-staff statements: Staff at shelters can testify about your behavior, emotional state, and the reasons for your stay. Their professional observations can validate your claims and demonstrate that you sought refuge due to fear of harm.
- Testimony from children (if age appropriate and legally allowed): Courts often take these testimonies seriously, especially when they highlight the negative impact on the child’s emotional and psychological well-being.
Expert testimony
- Medical experts: Testimony from doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals can help explain the link between the injuries and the abuse and also provide evidence of the long-term physical and psychological effects of the abuse.
- Mental health professionals: Testimony from therapists, counselors, or psychologists can prove the emotional and psychological harm caused by the abuse and can also provide evidence of the long-term effects of the abuse.
- Forensic experts: Testimony from experts in fields such as forensic science or DNA analysis can provide evidence related to the abuse. Forensic experts can analyze physical evidence, such as DNA or fingerprints, to link the abuser to specific acts of violence.
Other evidence
- GPS tracking data: Data from GPS tracking devices or apps can show the location of the victim and abuser during incidents of abuse. This data can establish a timeline of events and help corroborate your claims of abuse.
- Security camera footage: Footage from security cameras that may have captured incidents of abuse can provide objective evidence of the abuse and document specific acts of violence.
Why Is Documentation Important in Cases of Violence?
When you’re dealing with domestic violence, documenting the abuse is one of the most powerful things you can do to protect yourself. Not only does it provide concrete proof of what’s happening, but it also helps you build a strong case if you ever need legal action.
Here are some reasons why documentation is so important:
- Legal evidence: Solid documentation can help prove your claims in court, making it easier to secure restraining orders or even criminal charges against your abuser.
- Protecting your credibility: Detailed records show a pattern of abuse over time, which can counter any attempts by the abuser to deny or minimize their actions.
- Medical and emotional support: When doctors, therapists, or shelters have documented your injuries or emotional state, their records validate your experience and may support your case. These places and people can also be a source of comfort or refuge.
- Future safety: If the abuser escalates, having documentation can help law enforcement take quicker, more decisive action to protect you.
- Clarity in chaos: Abuse often involves manipulation and gaslighting. Your records can help you see the situation clearly, helping you to make safer decisions in the future.
Resources
If you or someone you know is going through domestic or dating abuse, know that there are plenty of resources to help you out:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- The National Network to End Domestic Violence
- The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
- The hotline.org: Create your own safety plan
- Ask for a rape kit exam from your doctor
- Emergency resources for sexual assault survivors in every US state and territory
Conclusion
Documenting abuse is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and prove domestic violence. Whether it’s medical records, digital evidence, or witness testimony, the key is to be thorough and consistent.
It’s not always easy, but every step you take helps you secure your future and your safety, and take power back from your abuser.
And most important, if you’re in an abusive relationship, you are not alone. So many others have faced similar struggles, and there is a whole network of support out there, ready to help. You deserve to feel safe, empowered, and loved — never forget that.
For more information and resources about relationship abuse, please follow the link.
FAQs
What evidence is needed for DV?
The evidence needed for domestic violence can include photos of injuries, medical records, police reports, and witness statements. Text messages, emails, or voicemails with threats or admissions of abuse are also valuable. Physical evidence, like damaged property or clothing, can support your case. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
What questions do they ask for DV?
When it comes to domestic violence, the authorities will ask questions about the specific incidents of abuse, including dates, times, and what happened. They may ask about any injuries you suffered, if weapons were involved, and if children were present. You might also be asked about previous incidents of abuse and if you’ve sought help before.
How common are false accusations of domestic violence?
False accusations of domestic violence are rare, and studies show that fewer than 10% of cases are false allegations. Most people reporting DV are telling the truth about their experiences. It’s important to take all claims seriously and investigate thoroughly.
What factors contribute to a successful domestic violence court case?
A successful domestic violence court case needs strong evidence, like medical records, police reports, and witness statements. Having a good lawyer can help, too. They have specialized judges and staff trained in DV issues who provide quick access to protection orders and support services for victims.
References
1. Morgan, R. E., & Truman, J. L. (2018). Criminal victimization, 2017 (NCJ 252472). U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics.
https://bjs.ojp.gov/content/pub/pdf/cv17.pdf
2. Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C. (2022). Laws on recording conversations in all 50 states.
https://www.mwl-law.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RECORDING-CONVERSATIONS-CHART.pdf