Collecting evidence safely

When you’re living with abuse or controlling behaviour, keeping track of what’s happening and when, can help you later—whether you choose to report to the police, apply for protection, seek custody of children, or simply want a record of events and experiences for yourself. But gathering evidence must never put you at greater risk. It’s important your safety comes first.

Why evidence can help

Evidence can support your account of what has been happening to you. It may show deliberate patterns of abusive and controlling behaviours over time, highlight breaches of protection orders or Police Protection Directions, or help services understand your story and the level of risk you’re experiencing.

If you don’t want to report anything now, collecting evidence may give you options in the future if you change your mind.

But you never need evidence to seek support. If collecting anything feels unsafe, stop. Your safety and wellbeing matter more than evidence and documentation.

Before collecting evidence, think about your safety

A person using violence may be monitoring devices, accounts and locations/movements.

Before collecting evidence, consider:

• does the person have access to your phone, computer or accounts
• do they know your passwords, or have they installed monitoring apps
• do they regularly check through your belongings
• will keeping evidence or records escalate their behaviour and put you at greater risk of harm?

If you feel like any of these apply, you may need safer alternatives for collecting evidence, like using a trusted person’s device, speaking with a domestic and family violence (DFV) support service, or storing information offline.

You can explore more about technology safety and coercive control if you want to understand the risks and what you can do about it.

Ways to collect evidence more safely

Write down what happened

You might note dates, times, what was said or done, where you were at the time and how you felt. This also includes keeping a calendar of events that have happened or missed events, like planned visits to see your child.

Take note of each incident if you can—no matter how small—as this can help show patterns of coercive control. Some behaviours may seem harmless to someone else but mean something else to you and make you fearful. It’s helpful to write down why it’s an issue for you.

You can physically write this down in a book or use the notes app on your phone (if that is safe and secure to use). If you need someone to record this for you, the free Be There app is a handy resource for bystanders, like family or friends.

Save messages, emails and call logs

Screenshots, copies of text messages or call histories can help show patterns of behaviour and abuse. If your device is monitored, consider forwarding messages to a trusted device instead of saving them yourself.

Record injuries or damage

Photos of injuries, damaged property, or threatening notes can be used as evidence. Take photos or recordings only if it is safe and avoid storing them on a device the person using violence can access. Consider using a password-protected folder or a trusted person’s device.

Keep records of stalking or monitoring behaviours

If the person using violence tracks your movements, monitors your accounts, or interferes with your devices, write down what you notice. This can include unexpected logins to your accounts, changed passwords, unusual app behaviours or active GPS tracking.

Save evidence of online abuse

Online harassment, threats, or impersonation can be documented by saving website links, screenshots, or copies of posts. The eSafety Commissioner has more information on their website and recommends capturing usernames and platform details where possible.

Keep financial records

Financial records can help demonstrate a person is being abusive or controlling. Records of bank and credit card statements, or receipts for expenses related to the abuse (i.e. medical bills or repairs), can show patterns of behaviour and violence.

Ask for witness statements

You can ask trusted people to write down the behaviour, violence or abuse they have witnessed to support your claims. This can include things they have overheard the person using violence saying to you, or physical interactions they have witnessed.

Be careful of who you ask to document what they have seen or overheard. If the person using violence becomes aware you are collecting this type of evidence, the violence and abuse may escalate.

Protecting yourself while collecting evidence

Use safer devices

If your phone or computer is shared, monitored or feels unsafe, consider using a:

• trusted person’s device, like a friend’s device
• work computer (if appropriate)
• public library computer
• new device the person doesn’t know about.

Secure your accounts

If it’s safe to do so—and won’t alert the person using violence—update passwords, enable two-factor authentication and check account recovery settings. Avoid making changes if the person using violence is likely to notice and be mindful sudden changes you make to secure your accounts may escalate the risk of harm and violence.

Store information somewhere safe

A few options for storing information, include:

• a secure cloud or online account the person using violence doesn’t know about or can’t access
• a USB kept outside of the home and password protected
• with a trusted friend or family member
• with a DFV support worker (if appropriate).

Avoid confronting or antagonising the person using violence

Never tell the person using violence that you’re collecting evidence as this could increase the risk of harm, violence or monitoring.

Trust your instincts

If something feels risky, or makes you feel uncomfortable, stop. Gathering evidence must never put you at greater risk—your safety comes first.

You can always seek advice from DFV support services if you’re worried about how to safely collect evidence. They can also support you with safety planning if you’d like help thinking through your next steps.

When to get help

If you’re unsure whether collecting evidence is safe, or if the violence and abuse is escalating, free and confidential help and support is available.

You can reach out to:

• a DFV support service
• the police or Policelink
• a trusted friend or family member
• a legal service or community organisation
• a GP or medical professional.

You don’t need to navigate this alone. Support services can help you plan, stay safe and understand your options and pathways to safety.

If you decide to report DFV

When you’re ready—and if you want—evidence can be shared with the police, lawyers or DFV support workers. They can help you understand what you have collected is relevant and how it may be used.

It is important to remember you are in control of what evidence you choose to share and when it is shared.