Preserving Digital Evidence: Emails, Texts, and Screenshots

Email Evidence Collection

Forward to Personal Account: - Forward harassing emails to your personal email account immediately - Include all headers, timestamps, and recipient information - Don't delete emails from your work account unless required by policy - Save both the original email and your forwarded copy - Create folders in your personal email for harassment evidence Screenshot Best Practices: - Take full-screen screenshots showing complete email headers - Capture date, time, sender, and recipient information - Include any email chains or previous correspondence - Save screenshots in multiple formats (PDF and image files) - Use high resolution to ensure readability Email Metadata Preservation: - Save emails in their original format when possible - Export emails with full headers intact - Document email server timestamps - Note any unusual timing patterns (late night emails, weekend harassment) - Keep track of read receipts and response times

Text Message and Instant Message Documentation

Mobile Device Evidence: - Take screenshots of entire conversation threads - Include contact information and timestamps - Capture both sent and received messages - Save images or attachments sent through messaging - Back up messages to cloud storage Work Platform Messages: - Screenshot Slack, Teams, or other platform messages - Include channel names and participant lists - Capture direct messages and group conversations - Save any files or images shared through platforms - Document privacy settings and message retention policies Chain of Custody Considerations: - Don't edit or modify messages before documenting - Save original screenshots with metadata - Create backup copies on multiple devices - Note when and how you accessed the messages - Document any changes to privacy settings or message availability

Social Media and Public Documentation

Work-Related Social Media: - Screenshot harassment on professional networking sites - Document inappropriate comments on company social media - Save posts that reference your workplace situation - Capture privacy settings and audience information - Note connections between harassers and your employer Dating and Personal Platforms: - Document if harasser contacts you on personal platforms - Screenshot unwanted messages or friend requests - Save evidence of stalking behavior across platforms - Note how harasser obtained your personal information - Document impact on your personal life and relationships