Evidence in Oregon Domestic Violence Cases

How survivors can document and store evidence for Oregon DV-related cases.

Understanding Evidence and Digital Safety in Domestic Violence Cases

Categories of Evidence

Evidence in domestic violence cases can include various forms such as:

• Physical evidence: Injuries, damaged property, or medical reports.
• Documentary evidence: Written communications, notes, or reports.
• Digital evidence: Text messages, emails, social media posts, photos, or videos.
• Witness testimony: Statements from people who observed relevant events.

Each type may support claims in legal matters like protection orders or custody decisions.

Digital Safety Considerations

When gathering digital evidence, it is important to consider privacy and security. This can include:

• Using secure devices to access or store information.
• Being mindful of shared accounts or monitoring software.
• Understanding how digital traces may be viewed or accessed by others.

Evidence in Legal Proceedings

Evidence can be relevant in different types of cases such as:

• Family Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA) cases: Evidence may support requests for restraining orders.
• Custody matters: Courts may consider evidence related to safety and parenting abilities.
• Criminal cases: Evidence can be part of investigations or prosecutions involving domestic violence.

Recording Law Reminder

Recording conversations or interactions may be subject to state laws regarding consent. Some places require all parties to consent, while others allow recordings with one party's consent.

Additional support options can be found through resources listed at DV.Support.