⚠ If you are in immediate danger, call 911
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (available 24/7)
You can also text START to 88788
Safety First, Always
Your physical safety is more important than any piece of evidence. Never put yourself at risk to document abuse. The guidance below is for situations where you can document safely without increasing your danger.
What to Document When Safe
✓Injuries: photograph immediately after they occur, showing date progression as they develop
✓Property damage: holes in walls, broken objects, damaged doors
✓Threatening messages: texts, voicemails, emails, social media messages
✓Police reports: request copies of every report filed
✓Medical records: visit a doctor or ER for injuries and request documentation
✓Witness statements: if anyone saw or heard incidents
✓Pattern of behavior: every incident with date, time, and what happened
How to Document Safely
✓Use a device your abuser doesn't have access to, like a friend's phone or a prepaid phone
✓Clear your browsing history after researching resources
✓Store evidence with a trusted friend, family member, or attorney
✓Never let your abuser find your evidence collection
✓Tell a trusted person what you're doing so someone else knows
Building Your Case
Documentation serves multiple purposes: obtaining a restraining order, filing criminal charges, supporting a custody request, and establishing a pattern for divorce proceedings. Every timestamped photo, every saved message, every documented incident adds to your record.
When You're Ready to Leave
Before leaving, try to secure: copies of all your evidence in a safe location, important documents (ID, passport, birth certificates, financial records), a safety plan developed with an advocate, and legal representation if possible. Your documented evidence helps with emergency custody, restraining orders, and criminal proceedings.
Resources
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Text: START to 88788
Online chat: thehotline.org
Find local shelters: domesticshelters.org
