Guide
Gathering Evidence Without Escalating Risk
Some people choose to document patterns or incidents so they can remember details later or share them with someone they trust. This page offers gentle ideas—not instructions—so you can decide what feels safest and most useful in your situation.
Safety reminder: If someone checks your device, consider private browsing, storing notes elsewhere, or not documenting at all if it doesn’t feel safe.
Why Some People Document
People sometimes gather information because it helps them:
- notice patterns over time
- remember dates or conversations
- organize documents before speaking with a professional
- feel more grounded when things feel confusing
Low-Risk Ways to Keep Information
- a notebook kept outside the home or with a trusted person
- a new email account no one else has access to
- a simple timeline (dates only, if details feel unsafe)
- photos stored in a hidden or private folder
Documents That Some People Find Useful
- messages, call logs, or emails
- photos of injuries or damaged items (only if safe)
- police occurrence numbers or reports
- medical or hospital summaries
- screenshots of threatening or controlling behaviour
Organizing What You Collect
You do not need to create a large or complicated record. Even a short list of dates can help you recall details later. Some people keep:
- a simple timeline (date + 1–2 words)
- a private folder of screenshots
- a list of people who witnessed something
If You’re Thinking About Next Steps
And if you’d like broader information about legal options, housing, shelters, or emotional support, you can explore DV.Support, a safe and neutral place to learn about available pathways.