Events Journal

Use the Events Journal to document when you feel threatened or unsafe. This form may be helpful if you need to recall events for law enforcement or in court.

1. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
2. Only fill out this form at a place and time when it is safe for you to do so.
3. Reach out to a domestic violence shelter or Crime Victim Advocate (CVA) for resources and support. You can find a listing of domestic violence shelters in Montana from the Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence or by calling 1-800-799-7233. Find your nearest Crime Victim Advocate.
4. Only gather information from witnesses at a time and place when it is safe for you and the witness.
5. Write down each time you feel threatened as its own incident. This can happen when the person shows up unexpectedly, contacts you through a note, email, social media, text, or other behavior that makes you feel scared.  
6. Videos and pictures may be admissable in court, but only take pictures or videos when it is safe for you to do so. It is important to note that a notice of recording devices is something that needs to be noted in a visible location (like a sticker in your window).

Download the Events Journal at the bottom of this page.  

If you have any questions about your rights or this form, it would be a good idea to read our article What Is the Law in Montana on Stalking (FAQ and Resources)?

Check out our article on how to come up with your own safety plan to keep yourself safe during your daily life.  

You can get free help coming up with a safety plan:

• By calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233
• Contacting your nearest domestic violence shelter 
• Reaching out to your nearest crime victim advocate.

Montana Legal Services Association provides free civil legal help to eligible clients. Learn more about how to apply for free legal help.