Safety4 min
Evidence Collection 101
Preserve useful evidence while prioritizing your safety and health.
Start With Safety
What Can Be Useful Evidence
How to Preserve It Properly
Lesson Outline
Lesson outline
Step 1
Start With Safety
Step 2
What Can Be Useful Evidence
Step 3
How to Preserve It Properly
Section 1
Start With Safety
- If preserving evidence puts you at risk, prioritize getting to safety first.
- Seek medical care as early as possible; medical notes are often key evidence.
- Do not confront the abuser to collect proof.
Section 2
What Can Be Useful Evidence
- Photos of injuries and damaged property (with date/time if possible).
- Threatening calls, texts, emails, social media messages.
- Medical records, treatment notes, and referral forms.
- Witness names and contacts.
- Police report details and OB/reference numbers.
Section 3
How to Preserve It Properly
- Create a secure folder (cloud + device) for evidence copies.
- Screenshot messages with visible date/time and sender.
- Back up media in at least two locations.
- Write a short timeline of incidents while memory is fresh.
- Keep physical items in clean, labeled bags when feasible.
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