How to Document Evidence of Revenge Porn Safely

Evidence Can Make or Break Your Case

Discovering intimate content of yourself posted or shared without consent is shocking enough. But once that wave of panic hits, the next question matters even more: What do you do now? The answer can shape your entire legal path. Proper documentation is what separates a solid case from one that falls apart in court.

We’ve seen strong cases get dismissed because evidence was lost, altered, or never collected. And we’ve helped others succeed because the right screenshots, links, and metadata were saved the right way, at the right time.

Our sexual abuse attorneys understand how sensitive these cases are, not just emotionally, but legally. At Horn Wright, LLP, we guide victims step by step through safe, effective documentation methods that protect their privacy while preserving the power of their case.

How to Capture Screenshots and Metadata

It’s not just about taking a screenshot. To prove what happened, and when, you need more than just an image. You need digital context. That’s where metadata comes in: the timestamps, URLs, and technical data that prove a post or message existed at a specific time in a specific place.

Here’s how to capture strong digital evidence:

• Take full-screen screenshots, including date/time stamps and the entire browser window
• Copy the direct URL to the image or post, not just the homepage of the website
• Use “Inspect Element” tools to view and screenshot metadata, like upload dates and account IDs

It’s okay if you don’t know how to extract metadata, most people don’t. But what’s important is not deleting, editing, or cropping anything that might be used in court. When in doubt, preserve more than you think you need.

We’ve helped clients recover deleted content and subpoena records from platforms, but the earlier you capture it yourself, the stronger your claim becomes.

Storing Evidence Without Risking Exposure

Once you’ve documented the image or post, your next concern is safety. How do you store the evidence without exposing it to more people, or risking re-traumatization every time you open the folder?

Here are some safe storage strategies:

• Use encrypted cloud services with two-factor authentication (like Google Drive or Dropbox with password locks)
• Label files clearly but discretely, avoiding triggering file names
• Back up the evidence in at least one other secure location (such as an external drive in a locked drawer)

Avoid sharing the evidence with friends, even if they’re trying to help. And never post it on social media to “prove a point.” That could weaken your legal position, or even create unintended exposure issues.

Our team can store sensitive material in protected legal systems so you don’t have to carry it around on your phone or laptop. Keeping your evidence, and your peace of mind, safe is a top priority.

Why Preservation of Digital Records Matters in Court

When your case goes to court, digital records are often the core evidence. Judges and prosecutors need to see what was shared, when, and by whom. That means unaltered, traceable evidence becomes your strongest tool, especially when the person responsible tries to deny their actions.

In New York, digital evidence helps prove:

• That the image existed publicly
• That you did not consent to it being shared
• That the person responsible had intent to harm, embarrass, or control

Preservation shows not only what happened, but how quickly you responded. Courts often consider how promptly you acted to document and remove the image when evaluating damages and emotional harm.

We’ve seen cases where poor documentation left a victim's claim unsupported, and cases where a single screenshot secured a protective order within days.

Unlike Vermont, New York Courts Accept a Wider Range of Digital Evidence

The legal tools available to you depend heavily on where your case is filed. In Vermont, revenge porn is recognized as a criminal offense, but courts tend to be more conservative about what types of digital evidence are admissible, especially in civil lawsuits for emotional damages.

New York, however, is much more inclusive:

• Screenshots, emails, text logs, metadata, and social media archives are widely accepted
• Judges allow third-party tech testimony to verify file creation or upload times
• New York’s Civil Rights Law §§ 50 and 51 support claims with strong documentation even in emotional harm cases

This broader scope means more victims can build stronger cases. If your content was shared in New York, or if you live there, you may be able to use New York’s laws and digital evidence rules, even if the offender lives elsewhere.

Our sexual abuse attorneys regularly compare jurisdictions to determine where your evidence will carry the most legal weight.

Steps to Take Before Reporting the Crime

Once you’ve documented the content, your instinct may be to report it immediately, and in many cases, that’s a good move. But a few careful steps before reporting can increase the strength and credibility of your claim.

Before you contact authorities:

• Gather all relevant messages (texts, emails, DMs) between you and the offender
• Check if the content has been reposted on other platforms
• Identify witnesses who knew the content existed or saw it posted

These early moves help law enforcement or legal teams act faster and with better accuracy. In some cases, immediate reporting without prep has resulted in lost evidence or poorly filed police reports.

You don’t need to have everything perfect. But the more organized your story and proof are, the more likely it is to be taken seriously from the beginning.

How Lawyers Use Evidence to Build Strong Claims

Once you're working with an attorney, the evidence you’ve gathered becomes the framework of your case. We’re not just presenting a story, we’re constructing a legal argument based on facts, timelines, and violations of your rights.

Here’s how we use the evidence you provide:

• To prove non-consent — showing that the content was shared without your permission
• To establish intent — especially if paired with harassing messages or public posts
• To support damages — by connecting exposure to lost jobs, mental health issues, or other losses

We also bring in technical experts when needed, especially in high-stakes cases or when the offender tries to delete their tracks. The stronger your documentation, the more powerful your claim, in both civil and criminal court.

You bring the truth. We build the case.

Horn Wright, LLP, Guides Victims in Protecting Evidence Properly

Documenting revenge porn is painful, but done right, it’s also empowering. It’s how your voice becomes undeniable in court. If you’re unsure what to capture, how to store it, or when to act, you don’t have to do it alone. Our sexual abuse attorneys will walk you through every step of the process, safely, privately, and in a way that protects your future.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we’ve built strong cases from a single screenshot and dismantled defenses with well-preserved metadata. We’ll help you document the truth, protect your evidence, and demand accountability from those who violated you.