How to Document Domestic Abuse

When you find yourself in a relationship that includes domestic violence, one of the fears that victims face is whether others – family, friends, law enforcement, or the courts system – will believe your accusations. One of the best ways to back up your story is to document your abuse.

Here are some ways to document your abuse to validate that it did indeed happen:

1. Write it down! Keep a journal. (Online works well. Send pages to a secure email.) Write down dates, times, locations, exact quotes of what was said, etc. Write down what injuries occurred and how you were injured. Were you hit with a fist, an open palm, kicked, pushed, thrown, strangled, or struck with an object or weapon?
2. Take pictures! Most of us have a camera on our phone – use it! Take pictures of injuries right after they occurred as well as during stages of healing. Was there overturned furniture, holes in walls, damage to vehicles, etc.? Take a picture. Take screen shots of threatening and harassing text messages. Save and send to a safe email account. (Then delete them from your phone.) If your abuser has taken pictures of you without your knowledge (sexual or otherwise) screenshot or save the pictures, as well.
3. Tell someone! Let a friend or family member know what is going on. Show them your documentation, if you have it. Report it to law enforcement! Keep a copy of the report. If you are injured, go to your doctor or the emergency room, especially if you have been strangled by your abuser. Keep all records of injuries.

One word of caution: please document abuse safely. Abusers are often masters of infiltration and likely have passwords for your social media accounts, emails, phone records, etc. Assume that they have this information and act accordingly! Make sure that these records are safely hidden – leave them with a trusted friend or family member, if possible. Create a new email account and only access it at the library or another public computer. Send all pictures, screen shots, journals, medical records, police reports, etc. to this ‘safe’ email.

The Safe Place can help you break free from a relationship with domestic violence! We can help you leave safely. But whatever your situation is, whether you have documented your abuse or not, never hesitate to call 1.888.554.2501, anytime, day or night. We have advocates ready and waiting to offer help and information. We can offer a ‘safe place’ at our emergency shelter to escape from abuse, as well as help obtaining an Order of Protection, safety planning, life skills classes, adult and child support groups, and so much more! For more information go to www.thesafeplacearkansas.com .