What do I document?

Before deleting offensive messages, or reporting unwanted content to a platform, make sure you document them in full. Other incidents, e.g. if someone ambushes you, should also be documented. This is important if you decide to take legal action at some point. Here we explain how to document digital assaults, and how to create a log of all incidents.

Screenshots are usually sufficient to document digital assaults. However, it is important that they document the violence as fully as possible. If in doubt, take several screenshots, and store them sorted in folders on a secure computer or a password-protected USB stick.

What needs to be included:

• What was published?
• On which platform was it published – save the full URL of the content.
• How can I be recognised in the pictures? Or how is it recognisable that this refers to me?
• When did it happen? (date and time of the publication of the violent content)
• Who published the content? Who commented on the content? (account name)
• If a nickname was used: What circumstances indicate the person behind it?
• What witnesses are there?
• How and when did I secure evidence? (e.g. the computer screen’s time and date should be included in the screenshot)

If someone is terrorising you with a barrage of assaults it is important that as many as possible are clearly documented. A “diary of violence” can help with this. You can keep it written down on paper, or on a secure smartphone or laptop.