When you file a report with the police department or other law enforcement agency, there is some important information the officers will need. This information and evidence will also help you obtain a Protection From Abuse Order (PFA). While the police may require at least some physical evidence of abuse before making an arrest, all the courts may require is an oral report from you, in your own words, to grant you a PFA. Each state has its own requirements for the proof of the abuse it needs before taking action. The following is some of the types of evidence used in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. You probably won't need all of the evidence in the list; however, the more you have the better the chances are of being granted a PFA.

Evidence you can collect:
     Write out a statement of what occurred. Also have witnesses write their statements.
     Copies of all medical reports and tests conducted at hospitals, doctor's offices, or emergency rooms.
     Pictures you, witnesses, or medical providers have taken of your injuries. Date the pictures.
     Copies of any police reports you've filed.
     Any weapons used against you by your abuser.
     Copies of the calls you've made to 9-1-1.
     Certified copies of criminal records showing your abusers past history of committing such crimes.

     Even without evidence, a judge may grant you a PFA. Often the judge will err on the side of caution if the person being abused can relate the details of the abuse with consistency. If your report changes every time you tell the story, people will doubt your sincerity. Be sure you can accurately recount the following:
     The most recent one or two instances of abuse including how you were abused and your injuries.
     The worst instances of abuse including how you were abused and your injuries.
     Any weapons (guns, knives, etc) your abuser has available and why you're afraid he'll (she'll) use them.
     Statements your abuser has made which make you think he (she) will harm or kill you.

     Never be afraid to report your abuser, even if he (she) threatens further physical harm or to kill you if you do so. In the greatest number of cases, the abused person is killed when they stay in the abusive relationship, not when they take action to stop the abuse.