How to Document Domestic Violence / Intimate Partner Violence

June 9, 2026

When a family member, intimate partner, or former intimate partner is behaving in abusive ways, leaving safely and seeking protection effectively is rarely a straightforward process. Although Pennsylvania offers domestic violence victims the opportunity to benefit from Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders as survivors work to rebuild their lives, the courts will not issue these orders long-term until abuse has been proven. As a result, documenting abuse effectively can mean the difference between a safe retreat from abuse and a particularly heightened risk of additional harm.

If you need to leave your situation within minutes in order to remain safe, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline immediately. If, however, you hope to take a few days or more to plan and build a strong legal case before you move forward, know that you don’t have to strategize alone. Connect with the dedicated Family Law Team at the LLF Law Firm on a library computer, burner phone, or other technology that your abuser can’t trace. Talk to us about your situation today by calling 888-535-3686 or by contacting the LLF Law Firm online to start building a thoughtful, informed plan of action to protect you from further harm.

Gathering Images and Documentation Safely

Keep the following considerations in mind as you take pictures and/or videos of your injuries:

  • Using a device that your abuser can’t trace is ideal
  • Good lighting can help to document coloration most accurately
  • Time stamps on photos can help to demonstrate a timeline of events
  • Safe storage of images – perhaps sending to an email account your abuser knows nothing about – is necessary

It is also important to have a doctor document your injuries. You can go to a women’s clinic if you don’t feel comfortable going to your primary care physician. Even if you don’t want to talk about the domestic violence that caused your harm, getting copies of any X-rays, photographs, and physician notes can help you to prove that you are entitled to a PFA order.

In addition to photographs, save any relevant voicemails, texts, emails, police reports, and diary entries that you can in a safe space that your abuser cannot access. The courts can help you to stay safe, but you will need to be able to prove that you are in danger before a judge can act on your behalf.

Legal Assistance Is Available

There is no single “right” way to leave an abusive situation. You know how your abuser operates. Do what you need to do to stay safe as you either run immediately or take steps to build a strong legal case before you leave. If you can do so safely, reach out to the trusted Family Law Team at the LLF Law Firm for help, so that we can help to place you in the strongest possible position to secure the PFA that you deserve.

Talk to us about your needs today by calling 888-535-3686 or by contacting us online – safely – so that we can help you to move forward with dignity and security. We look forward to working with you.

Categories