Here’s a comprehensive court-ready checklist table for documenting physical, emotional, and financial abuse:
| Type of Abuse | Examples | Typical Signs | Evidence to Collect | Notes / Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Hitting, slapping, choking, pushing, using objects to harm | Bruises, cuts, broken bones, unexplained injuries, fear of the abuser | Photos/videos of injuries, medical records, ER visits, police reports, witness statements | Record date/time/location of each incident. Include pattern over time. |
| Emotional / Psychological Abuse | Threats, insults, humiliation, gaslighting, isolation from friends/family, intimidation | Anxiety, depression, withdrawal, low self-esteem, fear, hypervigilance | Texts, emails, voicemails, social media messages, journal entries, therapist notes, witness statements | Document recurring patterns. Note how the abuse affects daily life and mental health. |
| Financial Abuse | Controlling access to money, stealing, forcing financial dependence, restricting spending, coercing signatures | Inability to pay bills, hidden bank accounts, debts in your name, stress about finances | Bank statements, receipts, contracts, emails/messages, witness statements | Show impact on independence. Highlight repeated coercion or threats related to finances. |
How to Use This Table
- Fill in as incidents happen: Include date, location, and specifics in the “Notes / Context” column.
- Keep digital and physical copies: Use a secure folder or cloud service.
- Back up witness contacts: Names, phone numbers, and relationship to you.
- Bring to your lawyer: They can help present this clearly to the court.
