Documentation & Record Keeping

When completing a Petition for an Order for Protection you will need to provide as much detail as possible for the judge to understand what you have been through. At your order to Show Cause hearing (OSC) you are limited to speaking to only the incidents written on the petition so it is important that you include specific details to explain what you have experienced.  

Whether you are currently in an abusive relationship, trying to leave, or have already left, documenting any incidence of abuse is crucial to ensure you receive the greatest protection. Important information to keep includes: dates of incidents, descriptions of the abuse that occurred, police reports, photos of harm, and text messages. 

The documents you collect can also be brought to court in the case that you go to trial and be entered as exhibits. To enter exhibits into court you will need to complete this exhibit list and have four copies on the day of your OSC hearing should you go to trial.

For questions or for clarification please contact an advocate.