One potential issue in a domestic violence or abuse case is that you and the abuser — a spouse or romantic partner — may be the only people who were present when the situation occurred. As a result, you may tell very different stories.
For example, you may claim that your spouse attacked you during a disagreement and that you just tried to defend yourself. They may claim the opposite, saying that you instigated it and that your injuries were only inflicted when they defended themselves. It can help your position if you have more than just your word in a case like this.
Take pictures of all injuries
Injuries immediately begin changing and healing. Take pictures as soon as you can to show the true extent of the damage. Take them on your phone and back up the files.
Take notes about how things happened
Write your story down. Do not rely on your memory long-term. This is a traumatic event. You don’t want to forget details. Get it all down on paper so that you can always refer to those notes.
Talk to medical professionals
Doctors can back up your injury claims. They can also provide insight into how injuries may have occurred. For instance, defensive injuries often look much different than offensive ones. To the untrained eye, damage may appear similar, but a doctor may be able to tell who was the aggressor.
Moving forward with your case
This is a difficult time, but remember that you do not deserve this type of treatment and have legal options. Be sure you know how to move forward as you work to protect yourself and/or your children.