Open notebook with cream-colored pages, pen resting on the pages, laptop computer in the background on a dark wooden desk, and a black coffee mug with white text on it. Logo and text overlay reading 'Document the Abuse' and 'DOCUMENTTHEABUSE.COM'.

THE EVIDENTIARY ABUSE AFFIDAVIT

empowering victims to securely document their experiences.

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Create Your Plan. Protect Your Future.

Learn How it Works
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I am here because:

Current responses do not always help a victim to document their situations and specifics of the abuse or the abuser. Outside of a police report or restraining order, documentation has still not occurred. In case of future serious injury, a victim goes missing or is killed, nothing exists to link them to their experiences.

The Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit changes this!

Abuse victims are often told:

  • Action is only taken if you can show evidence.

  • IF there is a shelter available and IF they have room for you, your children, and pets.

  • Usually only granted if there is evidence of the abuse and/or danger.

  • Leave behind your career, family, friends and assets.

  • IF there is someone who can be fully trusted.

  • Stalking laws are often weak, poorly defined, and not enforced.

Norma Peterson, Executive Director of Document the Abuse speaks with Dateline NBC about the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our FAQs to learn more about how to stay safe.

Hear from those who have experience.

Victims, family members, law enforcement and other professionals.

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  • Denise Brown

    My sister Nicole’s story reminds us what happens when the danger is real but the evidence is scattered. Nicole’s diaries and journals weren’t admissible in court. The EAA is a digital diary It is in your voice, preserved — so that your truth can be acted upon. It makes sure it cannot be erased or ignored.

  • Robert Berlin, Dupage County States Attorney

    The Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit, presented by Norma Peterson, is a simple but effective way for survivors to document abuse in a way that protects. survivors while creating a record that can be used by law enforcement and prosecutors to hold offenders responsible. 

  • Lorraine Francis Tipton

    I would not be standing today without Document the Abuse and the lifesaving blueprint Susan Murphy Milano left behind. Her Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit gave me a structure when the system gave me silence. It showed me how to document the truth in a way that couldn’t be ignored—even when the courts tried. I used it. I lived it. And now I teach it.

  • Rexann Whorton, Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault

    I wanted to thank you for coming to speak to our advocates, it sparked great discussion and awareness of this option for survivors as they navigate these serious situations.

If you are a victims advocate and are frustrated with the same check the box training….

Take a minute to consider our Advocate Training Program

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Check it out and sign up

HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR BLOG

Read and Learn More

Where Do Donations Go?

  • Helps provide:

    • One Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit (EAA) training for an individual, group or agency

    • Printed resource materials for local outreach

    • Support for ongoing communication and awareness campaigns

    Impact:
    You’re ensuring that professionals have the tools to document abuse safely and effectively.

  • Helps cover:

    • Attendance or participation in a local (Chicago-area) awareness event or training

    • Development of new EAA educational materials

    • Administrative costs to maintain training and communication platforms

    Impact:
    You’re helping us connect directly with communities, sharing knowledge and resources that can prevent abuse before it escalates.

  • Supports:

    • Presentation or training sessions for local (Chicago area) law enforcement, legal professionals, or first responders

    • Outreach to new partner organizations and agencies

    • Production of educational videos or survivor stories for online training

    Impact:
    You’re expanding our reach to those on the front lines and ensuring professionals are trained to recognize and respond to abuse.

  • Helps Fund:

    • Travel and lodging to attend or present at regional events or conferences

    • Creation of new awareness campaigns highlighting the EAA and victim safety planning

    • Continued partnership building with advocacy and professional organizations

    Impact:
    You’re helping Document The Abuse represent victims’ voices beyond Chicago, building bridges to stronger, safer communities nationwide.

  • Provides:

    • Significant support for operational and administrative costs, allowing us to maintain essential programs

    • Expansion of online training resources for national and international partners

    • Development of new training modules and digital tools

    Impact:
    You’re sustaining the mission by helping Document The Abuse grow, train more people, and reach more victims every year.

  • Invests in:

    • Establishing Document The Abuse as a fully independent 501(c)(3) organization

    • Strategic partnerships and sponsorships for major conferences or training series

    • Funding for direct resources and support to victims who need assistance completing the necessary process to attain safety from abuse

    Impact:
    You’re making a legacy gift that strengthens the future of victim advocacy, ensuring the EAA remains accessible and effective for generations to come.

The Advantage of Monthly Donations

Even a small tax deductible donation, like $5 a month, creates a lasting impact for small nonprofits. Monthly gifts provide steady, reliable support that helps Document The Abuse plan ahead, maintain vital programs, and respond to the needs of victims and communities. Consistent contributions ensure that training, outreach, and resources remain available year-round, building a sustainable foundation for long-term change and safety. Every month, your continued support helps keep the mission moving forward.

Make a Generous Donation Today!