Evidence Rules in Domestic Violence Cases — General Overview
Domestic violence cases involve many forms of evidence. While each state has its own detailed rules, the general ideas below appear in many court systems across the United States. This page explains common concepts in plain language.
What Counts as Evidence?
Evidence is anything that helps the court understand what happened. In many domestic violence cases, evidence may include:
- Text messages, emails, or social media posts
- Photographs, videos, or screenshots
- Medical notes or injury documentation
- Statements from witnesses, friends, or neighbors
- Police reports, 911 recordings, or dispatch logs
- Journal entries or timelines written by the person affected
“Relevance” – A Basic Rule
Court systems generally allow evidence that helps show whether something likely did or did not happen. Judges often focus on whether the information is connected to the events being discussed and whether it helps clarify the facts.
Photos, Screenshots, and Digital Messages
Many protection order hearings include electronic messages. Courts may look at:
- timestamps
- names or contact details shown
- context of the conversation
- consistency with other evidence
Some people choose to save messages in multiple formats—screenshots, backups, and printed copies—to reduce the risk of losing information.
Hearsay – Why Some Statements May Not Be Allowed
Hearsay rules differ a lot between states. In many places, hearsay is a statement made outside the courtroom that is offered to prove that the statement is true. Some statements may be allowed if they fit an exception, depending on state law.
Police Reports
Police reports are commonly used to show what officers observed or recorded. Every state has its own rules for how much of a report can be used at a hearing.
Getting Support
Because rules differ across the country, some people choose to talk with a lawyer, legal aid office, or victim advocate to better understand how evidence works in their state. You can explore neutral information on DV.Support to see what services exist near you.