evidence
Evidence That May Help in a DV Case
A practical list of evidence types: texts, photos, recordings, timelines, and digital proof.
evidencechecklist
LEGAL PREP
Evidence That May Help in a DV Case
Digital evidence
Options to review and, if safe, preserve:
- Text messages:
- Screenshots of message threads (include dates and contact names)
- Backups of phone data where possible
- Messages from the person causing harm and from people you told about incidents
- Messaging apps and social media:
- Chats from apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Messenger, Signal, Instagram, Snapchat)
- Direct messages, comments, tags, and posts
- Blocked or deleted messages that may still appear in notifications or backups
- Emails:
- Threatening, harassing, or controlling emails
- Emails about money, housing, child contact, or work issues linked to the situation
- Emails to or from employers, schools, or building managers about incidents
- Call logs and voicemail:
- Phone call history showing missed, repeated, or late-night calls
- Voicemail recordings (including saved or transcribed messages)
- Any phone call recordings, where legally allowed in your area
- Location and check-in data:
- Device location history (phones, fitness trackers, shared location apps)
- Rideshare receipts or trip histories
- Check-ins or timestamps that show where you were at specific times
- Photos and videos:
- Images of property damage, injuries, or disturbed rooms (taken as safely as possible)
- Photos showing drug or alcohol use linked to incidents, if relevant
- Videos that capture behavior, threats, or patterns (sound and date visible where possible)
- Cloud backups:
- Copies of documents, photos, or recordings stored in cloud services
- Exported chat histories, where apps allow it
- Backup codes or account recovery details kept somewhere safe
Consider safety and privacy before saving or moving digital evidence. Options can include storing copies on a passworded device, encrypted drive, or with a trusted person.
Physical evidence
Items that may help show what has been happening:
- Damaged property:
- Broken phones, doors, furniture, or household items
- Holes in walls or other visible damage
- Any repair invoices or landlord reports related to damage
- Written notes and letters:
- Threatening or controlling letters, notes, or cards
- Apology notes referring to specific incidents
- Instructions or “rules” written down by the person causing harm
- Objects linked to incidents:
- Items used to damage property or intimidate (if safely stored)
- Gifts given after incidents that are referenced in messages or apologies
- Physical access devices (spare keys, fobs) obtained without your consent
- Paper records:
- Printed emails, screenshots, or messages
- Court papers, letters from lawyers, or legal notices
- School notes or workplace write-ups connected to the situation
- Financial records:
- Bank statements showing unusual withdrawals or account control
- Receipts or bills for property damage, emergency stays, or replacement items
- Pay stubs or employment records showing missed work days related to incidents
Third-party evidence
Information from other people or organizations that may support your account:
- Witness accounts:
- Neighbors who heard or saw incidents
- Friends or family you spoke with shortly before or after an incident
- Co-workers, supervisors, or building staff who noticed changes or specific events
- Written statements:
- Emails or texts from witnesses describing what they saw or heard
- Letters written by people you confided in, dated and signed
- Notes from school staff, daycare, or child service providers
- Institutional records:
- Reports from shelters or support programs (if applicable)
- School incident reports or attendance summaries
- Workplace incident forms or HR notes
- Professional observations:
- Notes from counselors, caseworkers, or other support professionals
- Documentation from housing workers or property managers
- Letters from community or faith leaders who have direct, factual observations
Laws about witness statements and what is admissible can vary. A legal professional in your area can explain how third-party evidence is usually handled in local courts.
Timeline documentation
Keeping a simple, date-based record can help show patterns over time. Options include:
- Incident log:
- Write the date, approximate time, and location
- Note who was present or who you told afterward
- Describe what happened in brief, neutral language
- Pattern tracking:
- Record repeated behaviors (e.g., monitoring, economic control, threats)
- Note triggers or events that often lead to incidents (holidays, paydays, custody exchanges)
- Track changes over time (increasing frequency or severity)
- Impact notes:
- Missed work, school, or appointments (with dates)
- Changes in housing or sleeping arrangements
- Any safety steps you took (changing locks, moving rooms, staying elsewhere)
- Linking to other evidence:
- Mark when you have photos, messages, or reports for that date
- List police report or medical visit numbers next to the relevant dates
- Note when children or other witnesses were present, without including their detailed statements unless advised
Some people keep a timeline in a notebook stored outside the home, in a passworded document, or by emailing updates to a trusted address, depending on safety needs.
Medical/police documentation
Official records can add structured, dated information to your evidence set:
- Medical records:
- Emergency room visit summaries
- Clinic or doctor notes related to injuries, stress, or sleep problems that you reported
- Photographs taken by medical staff (if any)
- Discharge instructions, prescriptions, or treatment plans linked to incidents
- Police documentation:
- Incident report numbers and copies of reports, where available
- Notes on any calls to police, even if no report was filed
- Protection order or restraining order paperwork
- Records of any arrests or charges connected to these events
- Other official reports:
- Child protection or family services documentation
- Court records from family, civil, or criminal cases related to the situation
- Immigration or housing authority documents that reference safety concerns
- Accessing and organizing:
- Request copies of your own records where that is allowed in your area
- Keep report numbers, dates, and locations in one list for quick reference
- Store copies in a safe place, which may include with a trusted person or professional
For region-specific information about legal processes and documentation, some people review public legal information sites or directories such as those listed at DV.Support and then contact local professionals.