This article explains evidentiary abuse, a form of coercive control where abusers manipulate or interfere with evidence to gain advantage in legal cases. Learn how evidentiary abuse affects survivor credibility, why it matters in court, and how trauma-informed practices can help prevent injustice.

Many domestic violence victims later change their stories, not because the abuse didn’t happen, but because fear, dependency, and emotional bonds make it feel safer to withdraw. Understanding this response helps protect victims and preserve evidence safely.

When it’s time to notarize important documents like the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit (EAA), should you choose in-person or virtual? Learn the benefits, safety considerations, and best practices for both options.

We have something to celebrate—and we want you to celebrate with us!

Document The Abuse is now officially a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization!

This milestone means so much more than a new title. It means we can do even more for victims and survivors of abuse. It means more resources, more training, and more hope for the people who need it most.

Abuse is never contained. It spreads across homes, families, friendships, workplaces, and communities. The target victim carries the heaviest burden, but they do not carry it alone. Everyone connected to the abuse, in large or small ways, bears its weight.

For a victim of abuse, picking up the phone and calling the police is rarely a simple or impulsive decision. It's usually the result of countless sleepless nights, moments of fear, isolation, and the exhausting calculation of risk versus hope.

We’ve spent many years working with survivors, law enforcement, advocates, and legal experts to highlight how domestic abuse isn’t just a private matter, it’s a public safety crisis. One of the most deadly aspects of this crisis is the easy access abusers have to firearms, even when the law says they shouldn’t.

"Finding the courage to make that first call to law enforcement can be terrifying for a victim. They often don’t know what kind of help they’ll receive—or if it will truly apply to their unique situation. Too often, responders are simply ‘checking the box,’ offering generic suggestions that fail to address the specific needs of the case."

The CUE Center for Missing Persons recently held its National Missing Persons Conference in Wilmington, NC, bringing together families, advocates, and experts dedicated to finding the missing and supporting those left behind. Among the distinguished guests was Norma Peterson, Executive Director of Document The Abuse, who not only spoke at the event but was also honored alongside her husband, Paul Peterson, for their outstanding contributions.