Evidence for Domestic Violence Cases in Connecticut
How survivors in Connecticut can think about documenting abuse for use in court.
Evidence and Documentation in Domestic Violence-Related Cases (Connecticut)
What “Evidence” Can Mean in a Connecticut Case
In domestic violence-related situations, “evidence” is any information that may help show what has been happening and how it has affected safety and daily life. This can be important in restraining order hearings, criminal cases, and family court matters such as custody.
This page gives general safety-focused information. It is not legal advice. Laws and court practices in Connecticut can change, and different judges may handle cases differently.
Helpful Types of Evidence
Written Logs or Journals
A written log can help show a pattern over time. This might include:
- Dates and approximate times of incidents
- What happened in simple, factual terms
- Whether anyone else was present
- Any injuries or damage to property
- Whether police, medical staff, or others were contacted
Logs can be written on paper or saved in a secure digital format. Keep the tone simple and factual, as if explaining the situation to someone who was not there.
Texts, Emails, and Messaging Apps
Text messages, emails, and app messages can sometimes show:
- Threats or intimidation
- Controlling or harassing behaviour
- Apologies, admissions, or references to past harm
- Attempts to interfere with parenting time or contact
When safe, messages may be preserved by:
- Taking screenshots that show the date, time, and sender
- Backing up messages to a secure account
- Forwarding messages to a safe email account, if safe to do so
Social Media Posts and Messages
Social media activity can sometimes support a case, including:
- Threatening or harassing posts, comments, or direct messages
- Posts that show possession of weapons or property damage
- Posts about drinking, substance use, or ignoring court orders
- Location “check-ins” that may show stalking or monitoring
Evidence may include screenshots, printouts, or downloads of posts and profiles. It is generally safer not to respond to harmful posts, as replies may be shown in court as well.
Photos and Videos
Photos can help document:
- Visible injuries such as bruises or cuts
- Damage to doors, walls, or personal belongings
- Broken phones, locks, or other safety-related items
When safe, it can help to include:
- The date the photo was taken (using device settings or writing it down)
- A wider shot to show where the damage or injury is located
- Follow-up photos if injuries change over several days
Medical Records
Medical records can show that harm occurred and that help was sought. These might include:
- Emergency room or urgent care visit records
- Doctor or clinic notes about injuries or stress
- Prescription records related to physical or emotional impacts
In Connecticut, medical providers sometimes document when a patient reports that injuries are related to abuse. Survivors can usually ask for copies of their own records, though there may be fees or waiting times.
Police Reports and Court Documents
Formal records can be important in Connecticut cases, such as:
- Police incident reports or case numbers
- Arrest records or criminal complaints
- Existing restraining or protective order documents
- Past family court orders, including parenting plans
Keeping copies of these documents, when safe, can help a lawyer, advocate, or court understand the history of the situation.
Safety Strategies for Protecting Sensitive Evidence
Keeping evidence hidden from an abusive partner or ex-partner can be a significant safety concern. Consider options that reduce the chance of discovery.
Safer Storage Options
- Physical copies outside the home: Store printed records or a paper journal with a trusted person or in a secure location such as a locked drawer at work, if available.
- Separate email account: If safe, use a new email account with a strong password only used for evidence, legal information, and support messages.
- Secure cloud storage: Some people choose password-protected cloud storage. This may be safer if devices are often checked, but only if account details are kept private.
- Encrypted devices or folders: When possible, use device security features such as PINs, biometrics, or encrypted notes.
Reducing Digital Traces
- Clear browser history or use private browsing after searching for help resources or legal information, if safe to do so.
- Turn off message previews on screen so texts or emails do not appear on a locked home screen.
- Log out of accounts on shared devices and avoid saving passwords in browsers.
- Consider using a device that the abusive person does not know about, if that can be done safely.
How Evidence May Be Used in Connecticut Cases
Evidence rules can be technical and may depend on the judge, the type of case, and the specific facts. The information below is general and not a guarantee of what any court in Connecticut will accept or decide.
Restraining Order and Protective Order Hearings
In Connecticut, evidence may be used to support a request for a civil restraining order or to show why a criminal protective order should continue. Survivors may be asked to:
- Describe what has happened and when
- Provide written logs or summaries of recent incidents
- Show texts, emails, or social media posts with threats or harassment
- Share photos of injuries or damaged property
- Mention police reports, medical visits, or witnesses
Judges often look for patterns of behaviour, not just a single event. Clear timelines and organized documents can help the judge quickly understand the situation.
Criminal Prosecutions
When charges are laid in Connecticut, the state (through a prosecutor) usually decides how to use the evidence. Evidence might include:
- Police reports and officer testimony
- Medical records and photos of injuries
- Recorded 911 calls, if available
- Messages or social media posts showing threats, intimidation, or admissions
- Witness statements from neighbours, family, or others
In some cases, the prosecutor may ask the survivor to testify. Evidence the survivor has kept may help the prosecutor understand what happened, even if not all of it is shown in court.
Custody and Parenting Cases
In Connecticut family court, evidence about violence, control, or threats can affect decisions about custody, parenting time, and conditions meant to protect children and caregivers. Evidence may be used to show:
- Ongoing safety concerns for children or caregivers
- Attempts to use children to control or threaten the other parent
- Violations of existing court orders
- Substance use or behaviour that affects parenting ability
Judges may consider police reports, restraining orders, witness statements, and digital communications, along with any steps taken to protect children and maintain stability for them.
Important Warning About Secret Recordings
Recording phone calls or in-person conversations without someone’s knowledge can be restricted or illegal, depending on the situation and applicable laws. In some circumstances, making or sharing secret recordings could lead to criminal or civil consequences, or could affect how a judge views a case.
Before recording calls, arguments, or private conversations, it is strongly recommended to speak with a Connecticut lawyer to understand the risks, including any state and federal laws that may apply. A lawyer can explain whether a particular type of recording is allowed and whether it is likely to be useful in court.
Organizing Evidence in a Clear, Date-Ordered Way
Organized evidence can make it easier for a lawyer, advocate, or judge to follow the story of what has happened. Some people find it helpful to:
- Create a timeline: List major events with dates, such as first incident, police calls, court dates, and moves or separations.
- Sort by date: Arrange texts, emails, and screenshots in chronological order, either printed and stapled, or grouped in clearly labeled digital folders.
- Label items: Add a brief note to each piece, such as “Photo – living room door damaged – March 5, 2024” or “Text – threat about visit – June 12, 2024.”
- Keep a simple index: Make a one-page list of what is included (for example, “Item 1: Police report – May 3, 2023; Item 2: ER record – May 3, 2023”).
When working with a lawyer or advocate, it can help to ask how they would like the information organized so they can review it quickly and safely.
Connecting with Support
In addition to local services in Connecticut, there are national and online resources that can explain options and offer safety-focused information. Additional support options across Canada and beyond can be found through resources listed at DV.Support, which may include contacts that can help with documentation and safety planning.