How to Document Physical Abuse for Court: A Step-by-Step Guide

When you’ve experienced physical abuse, it can be frightening and confusing to know how to protect yourself and your children. You may be focused on safety, healing, and stability—yet if you are in the process of divorce, separation, or a parenting case, it is also important to know how to document physical abuse for court in a way that is accurate, detailed, and legally useful.

Courts rely on clear, specific, and factual information to understand what has happened and to make decisions that protect your safety. The following steps can help you document physical abuse in a way that supports your case and your well-being.

1. Record Each Incident with Specific Details

Whenever possible, write down the date, time, location, and a description of what happened immediately after each incident. Include any injuries, witnesses, or property damage. Document any injuries or property damage with photographs and save them in a hidden folder on your phone or computer, if possible. If not, send them to a friend or family member for safe keeping so that the photos cannot be found and deleted by your abuser. 

Example:

• Instead of: “He was physically abusive.”
• Try: “On May 15, 2024, at around 9 PM, during an argument in our kitchen, he grabbed my wrist and shoved me against the refrigerator. I had a bruise on my arm that lasted for several days.”

Specific and factual notes are more credible and can help the court identify patterns of behavior.

2. Seek Medical Attention and Keep Records

If you are injured, seek medical care immediately, even if the injury seems minor. Ask the provider to document what happened in your medical record. Keep copies of any medical reports, X-rays, or discharge instructions.

Example:

• “On August 2, 2024, I went to urgent care for bruising and pain on my shoulder after my spouse pushed me. The medical report notes the injury and my explanation of how it occurred.”

Medical documentation provides strong, independent evidence that supports your statements in court.

3. Preserve Physical and Digital Evidence

Keep any photographs, text messages, emails, or voicemails that reference the abuse or show injuries or damage. Save these in a secure place—such as a password-protected folder, with a friend or family member or with your attorney.

If you take photos of injuries, try to include:

• The date (enable timestamps if possible)
• The part of the body injured
• The progression of the injury over time (for example, day 1, day 3, day 7)

For saving text messages:

Try to include the whole conversation for context

Save the screenshots in a way that captures the date in the thread or save the screenshot and put the date in the name of the file

Example:

• “Photographs taken on March 10, 2025, show bruising on my forearm and a cut on my lip. The photos are labeled with the date they were taken.”

4. Protect Your Privacy and Technology

It’s very common for abusive partners to monitor phones, emails, or devices. Protecting your privacy helps you stay safe and ensures your documentation remains confidential.

• Change your passwords for email, social media, banking, and cloud storage.
  
  • Use strong, unique passwords that your abuser cannot guess.
  • Enable two-factor authentication using a new phone number or authentication app.
• Log out of all accounts on shared computers, tablets, or phones.
  
  • Clear saved passwords and browser history.
  • Turn off “Family Sharing,” “Find My,” or linked device settings.
• Create a new, secure email account for communications with your attorney, therapist, and advocates.
• Check for tracking apps or monitoring tools.
  
  • Review phone settings for “location sharing,” “Find My,” or hidden apps.
  • Consider doing a factory reset if you suspect spyware (but not before your phone is backed up to preserve evidence).
• Avoid discussing your plans or location by text or email if you think your abuser might have access.
• Consider a “safe phone.” A low-cost, prepaid phone can be used for confidential communications if your current phone may be compromised.

If you suspect your technology may not be safe, you can visitTechSafety.org for guidance from the National Network to End Domestic Violence or ask a domestic violence advocate to help you secure your devices.

5. Describe How the Abuse Affects You and Your Children

Courts want to understand the impact of the behavior, not just that it occurred. Include emotional, physical, and behavioral effects on you and your children.

Example:

• Instead of: “The abuse affects my child.”
• Try: “After witnessing the incident on May 15, 2024, our child began having nightmares and refused to go to school the next day. They now become visibly anxious when their father raises his voice.”

This information helps the court assess how the abuse has affected your safety, your children’s wellbeing, and your family dynamics.

6. Contact Law Enforcement When Appropriate

If you feel unsafe, call 911 or your local law enforcement agency. Police can file a report that documents the incident and provides an official record. Ask for a copy of the police report or case number. This documentation can later support your case in family court.

7. Store Your Documentation Safely

Keep all records, photos, and notes in a place that your abuser cannot access. Consider:

• A trusted friend or relative’s home or device
• A secure cloud storage account
• Your attorney’s confidential file system

Never confront the abuser with your documentation or tell them what you’ve recorded. Safety should always come first.

A Note on Safety and Support

Documenting physical abuse can feel painful and retraumatizing. You do not have to do this alone. Work with a family law attorney, therapist, or domestic violence advocate who can guide you in documenting and presenting this information safely.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at1-800-799-SAFE (7233)or visit thehotline.org.

You Are Not Alone

AtTailored Family Law, we understand the courage it takes to share your story. We provide compassionate, trauma-informed representation for survivors of abuse and their families—whether your case involves protection orders, parenting disputes, or divorce.

Our goal is to help you feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout the legal process. If you are ready to take the next step toward safety and clarity, schedule a confidential consultation to learn more about how we can help.