01
Record the timeline
Note when the incident happened, when you noticed it and whether there were repeated events. Use approximate times if exact times are unknown.
HerSafe · Practical Guide
Preserve the facts.
Preserve the facts.
Protect your safety.
Digital evidence can help authorities understand what happened. Learn how to preserve relevant information without putting yourself or others at further risk.
Safety comes before evidence.
Do not put yourself at risk to collect information. If someone
is in immediate danger, contact emergency services at 112.
You do not need to gather evidence before asking for help.
Understanding digital evidence
What counts as digital evidence?
Digital evidence is information stored or transmitted through electronic devices and online services that may be relevant to an incident.
Depending on the situation, this may include messages, account details, transaction references, emails, URLs, timestamps, login alerts or other records.
Whether any particular item is relevant or admissible is determined by the competent authorities and applicable law.
Examples of useful information
- Dates and approximate times of incidents.
- Usernames, profile links and account identifiers.
- Relevant messages or email records.
- Website URLs and platform names.
- Transaction IDs and bank reference numbers.
- Official complaint or acknowledgement numbers.
Before reporting
A simple preservation checklist.
Use this as a general guide. Follow specific instructions provided by police, investigators or other competent authorities.
02
Keep relevant account details
Note the platform, username, profile URL and other relevant public identifiers. Avoid unnecessary collection of personal information about unrelated people.
03
Preserve original records
Where safe and lawful, retain original messages, emails and files. Avoid editing or altering original material that may be relevant to an investigation.
04
Keep transaction references
For financial fraud, note transaction IDs, dates, amounts and bank reference numbers. Contact your bank and official cyber fraud support promptly.
05
Store information securely
Keep relevant records in a secure location you control. Avoid public links or sharing access with people you do not trust.
06
Follow official instructions
Ask the investigating authority how it wants information submitted. Do not assume that a screenshot alone is sufficient for every situation.
Preserving screenshots
Keep the context, not just the message.
If it is safe to take screenshots, try to retain enough context to understand what is shown. Do not edit or annotate the original copy you preserve.
- Include relevant dates or timestamps where visible.
- Keep the platform or account context where appropriate.
- Do not crop or alter the only original copy.
- Keep a separate note explaining what the screenshot shows.
- Store copies securely and limit access.
Remember
A screenshot may not contain all the information an investigator needs. Authorities may request original records, account information or additional details through official procedures.
Do not attempt to access another person's account or device
to obtain evidence. Unauthorised access can create additional
legal and safety risks.
Special care
When extra protection is needed.
♡
Children and minors
Do not download, copy, forward or upload explicit material involving a child. Prioritise the child's safety and contact appropriate child protection or law-enforcement authorities. Child Helpline 1098 is an official support option.
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Intimate images and sextortion
Do not send intimate images to HerSafe or unrelated people. Preserve relevant threat details where safe, and ask official authorities how to report the content.
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Suspected device monitoring
If someone may be monitoring your device, using it to change settings or search for help could alert them. Consider using a trusted device and seeking specialist assistance first.
Avoid additional risks
What you should not do.
- Do not confront a suspected offender if it could increase danger.
- Do not pay blackmail demands without seeking official guidance.
- Do not share passwords, PINs or OTPs with anyone.
- Do not access another person's accounts or devices.
- Do not publish private information or evidence online.
- Do not forward explicit material, especially material involving children.
- Do not delay emergency help while trying to collect records.
- Do not assume that deleting a message or account will resolve the situation.
Next step
Ready to understand the reporting process?
HerSafe can explain general reporting options. Formal complaints, evidence assessment and investigations are handled by competent authorities.