What Is An Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit? (EAA)
The EAA was created to ensure that a victim's words about fears and previous violence will not disappear in the event they cannot be present to testify on their own behalf. For the victim, it simply documents their history and experiences in a notarized document and video testimony.
A completed EAA will eliminate the hearsay argument that is a hurdle in many cases. The information is always secure when stored on this site and is only accessible to law enforcement if there is an open case through a legal supoena. Additionally, making multiple personal copies and giving to trusted people (attorney) will also ensure that this information will find its way to law enforcement if anything should happen to the victim.
The EAA combines video taping (a victim's actual testimony attesting to the abuse) and creative witnessed and notarized legal documents that successfully satisfy the legal challenges often faced.
The unique packaging of testimony, documentation, abuser historical profiling, and pre-collected evidence delivered to established and secure location, wrap this delicate issue up for successful prosecution.
Police reports, hospital reports, photos, letters, and emails along with video testimony, help substantiate claims of abuse.
Why prepare an Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit?
If something happens to you, the information in the EAA is valuable to police, detectives, and the legal system, ensuring that the person responsible is arrested and ultimately charged, saving time and investigative resources.
The advice to complete an EAA isn't intended to scare you but to protect you. If the abuser is alerted that you are preparing to leave, is the time to seek protection. It can be difficult for law enforcement to make an arrest without your evidence. If you feel you or your children are in danger, it is essential NOT to disclose your plans. Err on the side of caution- this is your best defense.
Preparing an EAA is your way to ensure that your experiences are being taken seriously.
Statistics show that most victims murdered in recent years did not trust their instincts. Often only leaving a message for a loved one or trusted friend saying, "If something happens to me, it is because of my ex, boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, someone with whom I broke off a relationship, threatened to kill me."
In a court of law, if you are seriously injured, in a coma, or tragically killed, what you told to loved ones is considered hearsay, not fact. The person responsible walks free because there is no documentation to prove what had been happening to you behind closed doors.
My name is Nancy Kochis. I teach honors forensic science to seniors. I have experts speak to my students every year. A few years ago, my friend and colleague said she knew the sister-in-law to Drew Peterson and she would be willing to speak to my students. I contacted her and she agreed to come in. Mrs. Peterson does an excellent job presenting information about the case and keeping the interest of the students. She interacts with the students very well.
Since she is familiar with the case, she presents information that students could not receive just by reading about the case. She also presents her project Document the Abuse. I think this is very important to present this information since my class is all seniors that will be moving on to college after graduation. Mrs. Peterson gives them each a card with information. Every year she has several students that stay behind after class the request more information and guidance. I hope she comes back every year. Students love her!
