If you are starting a divorce process to get out of an abusive relationship, documentation of your partner’s abusive behaviors can be an important component of your legal case. You must be aware of the laws about what evidence and documentation can be used in court, so make sure to consult with a domestic abuse lawyer in Hernando County, FL, early on in your process.
In most states, evidence can include (but is not limited to) the following:
- Verbal Testimony From You and/or Your Witnesses
- Medical Reports of Injuries You’ve Sustained
- Pictures (dated) of Any Injuries
- Police Reports
- Pictures of Weapons Used by the Abuser Against You
- Household Objects Torn or Broken by the Abuser
- Pictures of Your Home in Disarray After a Violent Episode
- A Personal Journal or Calendar Where You Documented the Abuse As It Occurred
A domestic abuse lawyer would recommend the actions below to start a trail of documentation if you have little to none, and if you are able to or feel safe doing so:
- Visit Your Doctor
- Consider Outside Documentation
- Create a Stalking Log
- Learn More About Police Reports
- Take Pictures of Injuries, Locations, and Damage
- Let It Go To Voicemail
- Save All Digital Evidence
