Collect Evidence to Build a Case

if you are in a safe place to do so, Click Here to Report Domestic Abuse. The form should take about 10 minutes to complete

please exercise caution as you collect evidence:

  • use an incognito tab

  • delete browsing history/cookies

collecting evidence before you bring a domestic abuse case to court will help strengthen your case and make the process proceed smoothly. Listed below are example types of evidence to collect. It is not exhaustive.

    • Records of communication between the victim and perpetrator

      • Emails

      • Phone records

      • Text messages

      • Social media

    • Audio or visual recordings of interaction between victim and perpetrator, demonstrating body language and tone

      • 999 recordings

      • CCTV

      • BWV footage

    • Local enquiries

      • Neighbors

      • Regular deliveries

      • Postal services

      • Window cleaner

      • Witness testimony – observed behavior by both parties and its effect and impact

        • From family and friends

      • Diaries kept by victim and/or children

      • Records of lifestyle and household 

        • Photographic evidence

      • Evidence of isolation

        • Lack of contact with family and friends

        • Withdrawal from social activities and clubs

      • Records of interactions with services which show the perpetrator adopting a dominant role

        • Always accompanying the victim to banking or medical appointments

      • Bank records showing financial control

      • Medical records

      • GPS tracking devices installed 

      • Care plan where perpetrator has caring responsibilities 

    Any evidence which shows a pattern of control or coercion is relevent

    • Blood or liquid pattern distribution

    • Other biological evidence

      • Hair, teeth, fingernails or skin being knocked/pulled out 

    • Fingerprints

    • Clothing and bedding

    • Footwear

    • Doctors report

    • Hospital Visits

    • Dates and Times of Incidents

    • Signs of disturbance

      • Contents of household bins

      • Broken spectacles or jewellery

      • Signs of damage to internal walls, including recent repairs

      • Upturned furniture and damaged property

      • Broken room locks

      • Telephone cables pulled out

      • Unwanted gifts

      • Antidepressants in medical cabinets

    • personal statement

    • witness statements from family and friends

    • The courts

    • the police

    • a multi-agency risk assessment conference (MARAC)

    • social services

    • a health professional, for example a doctor, nurse, midwife, psychologist or health visitor

    • a refuge manager

    • a domestic abuse support service

    • your bank, for example credit card accounts, loan documents and statements

    • your employer, or education or training provider

    • the provider of any benefits you’ve received

Return to 'Know Your Rights'