Storing Evidence

Storing evidence of cyberbullying and harassment

Storing evidence of cyberbullying and harassment online can be crucial for any legal cases that might happen in the future. Although there aren’t many laws in place to protect people from cyberbullying – there are laws in place to protect people from ‘ongoing harassment’ in most parts of the world. After learning how to save evidence of abuse and harassment, use the following information to ensure that you are storing the evidence correctly – in case it is needed at a later date.

How to store evidence of online abuse on Microsoft Windows

The first thing you will need to do is create a folder on your computer or laptop which is where you will store all your evidence such as screenshots, video files or any other visual representation of the offender’s actions. To do this follow the instructions below. Please note, this applies to Windows 10 users. To get further information on how to setup folders on earlier versions of Windows, please see below for related links.

• 1. Go to the folder or subfolder where you would like to create your new folder. This can also be done on the desktop.
• 2. Hold down the Ctrl, Shift and N keys all at the same time and a new folder will automatically be created.
• 3. Name the folder so that you can remember where on your computer you have a place to compile all your evidence.

Alternative options for creating a folder on Windows

You can go to any location on your desktop and create a folder by:

• 1. Right-clicking a blank space where you want to create your folder. (Don’t right click an existing item within a folder as this will present you the wrong menu.)
• 2. In the drop-down menu, select “New” and then choose “Folder,” creating your new folder.
• 3. Name the folder and you’re done!

Once you have created the evidence folder you can repeat the process and create folders for each month. This will help to keep the evidence date specific and easy to access.

You can keep all your monthly folders in the original evidence folder by creating the monthly folder and dragging it into the main evidence folder.

If you need further assistance in creating a folder you can see the Microsoft Support website which provides instructions on how to get the most out of Windows (Version 7 and onwards).

How to store evidence of online abuse using an Apple MacBook, MacBook Pro, Mac mini or iMac

Creating folders on your Mac is simple. Follow the instructions below to get started:

• 1. Select “Finder” and locate “Documents” or “Desktop” in the tabs to choose where you want your folder to be created.
• 2. At the top of your desktop screen in the menu bar click on “File” to open the drop-down options.
• 2. In the drop-down menu which appears, select “New Folder” and a folder will automatically be created in the area that you are currently looking in on the Finder, for example in the “Documents” area.

You can create new folders for each month this way and drag them into the main evidence folder for storage. Folders can be created as long as you open Finder first. If you are currently on a web browser such as Safari or other application, the top menu bar will only show options related to that program. You can locate the Finder by hovering over your dock area, depending on how you have set this up and clicking on the Finder icon.