How to prove someone threatened you

If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services now. This page is about preserving evidence — it is not a substitute for the police or a lawyer.

When someone threatens you, being able to show what was said, when, and by whom can matter a great deal — for a police report, a protective/restraining order, or your own safety record. Here's how to preserve that evidence carefully.

Capture and preserve everything

Written threats — texts, emails, DMs, voicemails, notes: screenshot and keep the originals. Don't delete anything.
Spoken threats — if you record, check your local recording law first (guides here); some places require all parties to consent. Where recording is lawful, make it provable: Vocert seals each recording with a tamper-evident receipt and a trusted timestamp, so it can be independently verified and shown to be unedited.
Log each incident — date, time, place, exact words, and any witnesses — as soon as possible after it happens.

Report it

Police report. A dated report creates an official record, even if no charge follows immediately.
Protective / restraining orders. Courts often rely on exactly this kind of documentation. Your local courthouse or a victims'-services organization can explain the process.
Tell someone you trust and keep copies of your evidence somewhere safe and separate.

Keep yourself safe first

Evidence matters, but your safety comes first. Don't provoke a confrontation to "get it on tape." If you feel unsafe, prioritize getting to safety and contacting the authorities or a support hotline.

FAQ

Can I record someone threatening me? Where recording is lawful in your jurisdiction, yes — and a verifiable recording is stronger evidence. Check the consent rule first.

What if I only have texts? Screenshots plus the preserved originals are strong. Keep everything and log the timeline.

Who can help? The police, a lawyer, and local victims'-services or domestic-violence organizations.

General information, not legal advice, and not emergency guidance. If you are in danger, contact emergency services. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time — consult the authorities or a qualified professional for your situation.