Order for Protection

An Order for Protection (OFP) is a legal court order issued by a judge to protect a victim of domestic abuse from a family or household member.

2025

Evidence to Gather Before Filing an OFP

I. Incident Documentation
☐ Create a timeline of incidents (dates, times, locations)
☐ Write a detailed summary of each incident while memories are fresh
☐ Note any witnesses present during incidents
☐ Record any police report numbers
☐ Document any injuries or property damage
☐ List any prior protective orders or court cases involving the respondent


II. Text Messages & Electronic Communications
☐ Text messages
☐ iMessages
☐ WhatsApp messages
☐ Facebook Messenger messages
☐ Instagram messages
☐ Snapchat messages (screenshots if available)
☐ Emails
☐ Voicemails
☐ Call logs showing repeated calls
☐ Social media posts or comments directed at you
☐ Screenshots showing dates, times, and sender information
☐ Backups of all electronic evidence



III. Photos & Videos
☐ Photos of injuries
☐ Photos showing bruising progression over time
☐ Photos of damaged property
☐ Photos of weapons involved (if applicable)
☐ Security camera footage
☐ Ring doorbell footage
☐ Cell phone videos
☐ Screenshots of threatening social media content

IV. Medical Records
☐ Emergency room records
☐ Urgent care records
☐ Doctor visit records
☐ Therapy or counseling records (if relevant)
☐ Medical bills related to injuries
☐ Discharge instructions
☐ Photographs taken by medical providers



V. Law Enforcement & Government Records
☐ Police reports
☐ Sheriff reports
☐ 911 call records
☐ Body camera footage requests
☐ Criminal complaint documents
☐ No-contact orders
☐ Prior OFP or restraining order records
☐ Child protection reports (if applicable)




VI. Witness Evidence
☐ Names and contact information of witnesses
☐ Written statements from witnesses
☐ Statements from family members
☐ Statements from neighbors
☐ Statements from coworkers
☐ Statements from teachers, coaches, or childcare providers (if relevant)
☐ List of witnesses willing to testify at a hearing




VII. Stalking / Harassment Evidence
☐ Records of unwanted visits
☐ Photos or videos of respondent appearing at your home/work/school
☐ GPS tracking evidence (if applicable)
☐ Notes documenting surveillance behavior
☐ Evidence of repeated contact after being told to stop
☐ Evidence of following or monitoring behavior
☐ Evidence of contact through third parties




VIII. Child-Related Evidence (If Children Are Involved)
☐ School records
☐ Attendance records
☐ Communications involving the children
☐ Evidence children witnessed abuse
☐ Custody or parenting time orders
☐ Police reports involving the children
☐ Medical records involving the children
☐ Statements from childcare providers or teachers




IX.  Financial / Property Evidence (If Relevant)
☐ Property damage estimates
☐ Repair invoices
☐ Receipts for damaged items
☐ Evidence of financial control or coercion
☐ Bank records showing unauthorized activity
☐ Evidence of destroyed or withheld property





Final Review Before Filing
☐ Can I prove each allegation with evidence?
☐ Have I identified witnesses for major incidents?
☐ Are all screenshots readable and dated?
☐ Are all photos labeled with dates and descriptions?
☐ Have I backed up all electronic evidence?
☐ Is my timeline complete and accurate?
☐ Do my exhibits match the allegations in my petition?
☐ Have I removed duplicate or unnecessary documents?

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