DOCUMENTATION OF ABUSE - good documentation can provide valuable evidence in court proceedings, validates survivors' experiences, and can ultimately keep providers out of court. The more clear detailed information the better.

Always let the survivor know when documenting - have a direct conversation about how confidentiality will be protected and how to access medical records should they be needed in the future. Whenever safe, possible and appropriate:

• Record detailed descriptions of violence, injuries, dates, and location of incidents, name & relationship of abuser

• If possible use the survivor's own words, in quotes

• Ask about and record any history or pattern of physical, sexual, psychological abuse

• With survivor's consent, take and attach photographs to record (in an envelope marked confidential and sealed)

• Include body maps showing old and new injuries (if you do not have forms, draw a picture)

• Use clear handwriting

• To the degree possible, preserve evidence

• When appropriate, follow rape/sexual assault procedures

• Avoid using words like "alleged" or "denies". These words are used differently in court than they are in a medical setting, for example

• Provide appropriate opinions corroborating abuse (i.e. the injury was likely to have been caused by a heavy, blunt instrument)

• Use non-judgemental and professional language and acknowledge the accountability of the abuser and any use of violence