legal

Evidence in Wyoming Domestic Violence Cases

How Wyoming survivors can collect and store documentation safely.

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LEGAL & SAFETY

Keeping Evidence Safely in Canada

1. Common Types of Evidence

Evidence can be many everyday items. It does not need to be “perfect” to be useful. What matters most is safety and honesty.

1.1 Written and digital records

Text messages, emails, direct messages, and social media messages
Call logs and screenshots of missed calls
Notes about what happened, dates, times, and who was present
Copies of letters, cards, or written threats

1.2 Photos and videos

Photos of damaged property (doors, walls, broken items, holes)
Photos of injuries or visible marks over time (if safe to take)
Photos of things like smashed phones, destroyed documents, or torn clothing

1.3 Documents and official records

Police occurrence numbers or report copies (if you have them)
Medical visit summaries or discharge papers
Shelter or support agency letters that confirm contact dates (if provided)
School or workplace incident reports related to safety

1.4 Third-party information

Statements or letters from people who witnessed incidents (if they are willing)
Records of missed work or school that are linked to safety issues
Any safety plans or reports created with a community service (if you were given a copy)

Different courts and decision-makers may value evidence differently. Keeping honest, organized information can still help you tell your story, even if not every item is accepted formally as “evidence.”

2. Storing Evidence as Safely as Possible

Any evidence collection should be balanced with your day-to-day safety. If keeping items increases your risk of harm, your safety comes first.

2.1 General safety tips

Think about how the person behaves when they are suspicious or angry before you decide where to store anything.
If they often check your phone, emails, or bags, it may be safer to keep very little or nothing in those places.
Only collect what you can safely keep hidden or away from the person.

2.2 Safer digital storage ideas

Forward important messages to an email account the person does not know about, if safe.
Use secure cloud storage (for example, a password-protected account) if you are sure the person cannot access it.
Send copies of screenshots or files to a trusted person outside the home, with their consent.
Consider using a device that only you use (for example, a work phone or a friend’s device) if this does not break workplace rules or put you at risk.

If the person has ever installed apps on your phone, checked your accounts, or demanded your passwords, they may already have access to your information. Extra care may be needed. Guidance on safer tech use is available in more detail on digital safety resources.

2.3 Physical storage ideas

Keep physical items (letters, documents, printouts) outside the home if possible, such as with a trusted person.
If items must stay in the home, choose a place that looks ordinary and is rarely checked (not a typical “hiding place”).
A sealed envelope labelled with something boring (for example, “tax papers”) may draw less attention.

2.4 Keeping a log or journal

Some people keep a basic timeline of incidents: date, time, what happened, who saw it.
This can be written on paper or typed, but must be stored safely.
Write in neutral, factual language (for example, “3 March, 8 pm: shouting in kitchen, neighbour A knocked after loud noise”).

If keeping any kind of log or evidence might lead to immediate danger if discovered, it may be safer not to keep it or to store it outside the home.

3. How Evidence May Be Used in Different Legal Processes

Processes vary across provinces and territories, and outcomes are never guaranteed. The points below are general information, not legal advice.

3.1 Protection orders or peace bonds

In many parts of Canada, evidence can help when asking the court for an order meant to increase safety, such as a protection order or peace bond.

Messages showing threats or repeated harassment can help show a pattern of behaviour.
Photos of damaged property may help show escalation or ongoing risk.
Notes about past incidents can help you remember dates when filling out forms or speaking in court.

Requirements for protection orders, peace bonds, and similar orders are different in each province and territory. A legal clinic or community legal service may explain local rules.

3.2 Parenting and custody-related matters

When a court looks at parenting time, decision-making responsibility, or contact with children, the main focus is usually the child’s best interests.

Evidence of threats, harassment, or unsafe behaviour may be considered when the court looks at safety for a child and caregiver.
Records of missed visits, late pickups, or unsafe exchanges may be relevant if parenting schedules are in dispute.
Neutral documentation (for example, school notes or reports) can sometimes support what you describe.

Courts often prefer clear, factual examples over long emotional descriptions. Organized evidence can make it easier to present your concerns calmly.

3.3 Criminal investigations and charges

If police are involved, they may collect their own evidence. Your information can still matter.

Showing police saved messages, call logs, or photos can help them understand what has happened.
Police may decide which items they can formally use. They may copy or seize some items as evidence.
Sometimes, an officer may ask for permission to look through your device. You can ask what they are looking for and what will happen with the information.

Contact with police and courts can have different impacts depending on immigration status, community, and personal history. Community legal clinics and some settlement services may offer free information about possible risks and benefits for your situation.

4. Special Caution Around Recording Conversations

Recording laws in Canada can be complex. Whether a recording can be legally made or used in court may depend on the situation and local rules.

4.1 Legal and safety concerns

In some situations, a person may legally record a conversation they are part of. In others, this can cause legal problems, especially if privacy laws are involved (for example, in workplaces or shared parenting apps).
Even if a recording is legal, a court or tribunal may decide not to accept it, or may view it in different ways.
Trying to secretly record someone can greatly increase risk if the person discovers what you are doing.

4.2 Before deciding to record

Consider whether taking out a phone or recording device could lead to immediate anger or retaliation.
Think about whether there are safer evidence options, such as written notes right after an incident or keeping messages.
If possible, seek confidential legal information (for example, from a community legal clinic) about recording in your province or territory before you start.

If you already have recordings, do not destroy them out of fear without first getting information. However, avoid making new recordings if you are unsure about the legal or safety impact.

5. Getting Support for Evidence and Safety Planning

Evidence is only one part of staying safer. It should never replace your own sense of what feels safe day to day.

Local victim services, shelters, and community agencies can often explain typical court processes in your area in plain language.
Community legal clinics, duty counsel, or legal information lines may offer free, general information about how different courts in your province or territory typically treat evidence.
Additional support options across Canada can be found through information and referral resources listed at DV.Support.

If collecting or storing evidence makes you feel less safe, it is acceptable to focus only on immediate safety and basic supports. You can return to evidence questions later if your situation changes.