Evidence checklist

Even if a doctor’s visit doesn’t feel necessary, it is advisable to go regardless. Too often, victims of violence regret not having gone to a doctor later on. You can think of a doctor’s visit as a precaution. It is important to see a doctor regardless of the type of violence you have experienced. You can also ask the doctor to document any psychological symptoms you report, which can serve as evidence.

The victim does not need to obtain a medical certificate themselves. The police will request it with the victim’s consent, based on the medical records. If it hasn’t been requested, it can still be ordered later. Injuries must be documented for any potential legal proceedings. Doctors are bound by confidentiality and can be asked not to take the matter further.

Without seeing a doctor, it can be very difficult to prove the link between injuries and the violence experienced. Concussions and many other injuries may not be visible externally. Photos of bruises and injuries can also serve as evidence.

It is a good idea to save and store all communications with the perpetrator (emails, messages, WhatsApp conversations, Messenger chats, TikTok, comments on social media, etc.). You may not notice direct or indirect threats due to normalisation, but a professional can identify significant evidence of domestic violence from them.

It’s advisable to store this evidence on, for example, a USB stick or somewhere secure, where the perpetrator does not have access.

It is important to tell as many people as possible about the violence and your feelings, as soon as possible after the incident. The person you first tell can be called as a witness. In court, the delay between the incident and reporting may be considered. If you’ve reported it to various authorities, their records and statements are often used as evidence. Authorities and therapists can be asked to provide statements on how they see the victim's symptoms being related to the violence experienced.

The consistency of your account is also important. When neighbours are aware of the violence, they can testify about things like stalking or harassment. Neighbours often also hear the sounds of violence.

Modern mobile phones make it easy to collect evidence. You should take pictures of any marks of violence on your body, as well as in your home, on objects, and on clothing. Phone conversations, discussions, and events can be recorded and videotaped.

You should also photograph your home and belongings to prove damage or theft. For example, if you leave for a shelter, the perpetrator may damage the property or belongings left behind.

These pieces of evidence should be stored in a safe place, like a USB stick, where the abuser does not have access.

Unfortunately, pets often also experience violence, and the same principle applies to their injuries and vet visits as it does to the person. A vet’s statement can support the consistency of your account regarding the perpetrator’s violent behaviour. If the perpetrator inflicts violence on a pet, a vet’s documentation of the injuries can serve as evidence.

Although it may feel like an invasion of privacy, a diary can be used as evidence. It is easy to open up in detail in a diary about the violence experienced, writing down everything you have gone through. People tend to forget things, and memories of details can change over time. It’s advisable to record events and your thoughts and feelings related to them, either in a diary or on a computer or phone notes app.

When making a police report, you will be asked for the exact date, time, and location of the event, so it’s useful to note these down, even in a calendar, if a diary is not always with you. You can also use your phone as a diary and record your voice if writing doesn’t feel comfortable.

If there are children in the family, they suffer greatly from the violence, and this often manifests in their behaviour. They may find it difficult to concentrate in school or become restless, aggressive, or withdrawn in their play. Therefore, it’s important to inform those involved in their care and upbringing about the violence so that professionals can link the child’s symptoms to the violence they have experienced or witnessed.

Teachers, early childhood educators, and hobby leaders may also witness communication between parents and can be called as witnesses. Especially child protection services are an important contact.

Sometimes court cases deal with ownership of property. Receipts can prove ownership of important items. Bank account transactions can be used as evidence of financial abuse or stalking.

Phone call logs and location data can provide valuable information in proving stalking. Keep your own logs.

It’s always advisable to file a police report about violence. A police report can be made electronically and independently, but it is recommended to contact a lawyer beforehand. A lawyer can help ensure that the report is filed correctly and that the evidence is sufficient for making the report. Local legal aid offices can help find lawyers who offer free or affordable services. Victim Support Finland also offers free legal advice.

In a restraining order application, you present the threat of violence and the associated fear. If a restraining order has already been issued and the perpetrator violates it, every violation must be reported to the police, and the victim should refrain from contacting the perpetrator. The restraining order binds both parties, and if the protected person contacts the perpetrator, the order may be deemed unnecessary.

Calling the police (dial 112) in a violent situation is important. In such cases, authorities can directly file a police report or advise the victim to do so later.