Digital Safety and Privacy

Assume changes may be noticed

Phones and accounts can reveal location, contacts, searches, photos, transportation, and financial activity. Removing access, changing passwords, or disabling location can sometimes alert an abusive person. Before changing settings, consider using a safer device to contact an advocate and make a plan.

• Use a library, workplace, trusted person's, or new device when possible
• Review account-recovery email addresses and phone numbers
• Check location sharing in family accounts, apps, photos, and vehicles
• Avoid storing a safety plan where shared users can find it
• Document threatening messages only when it can be done safely

Passwords and accounts

Use unique passwords and multi-factor authentication on a safer device. A new email address unknown to the abusive person can be useful for housing, legal, or financial communication. Do not link it to shared recovery information.

Get specialized guidance

Technology changes quickly, and surveillance can be difficult to confirm. The Safety Net Project from the National Network to End Domestic Violence provides survivor-centered technology guidance. A local program may also help document technology abuse without increasing risk.