08/18/2026
Internet Safety Tips for Survivors
-Use a safer device when possible. A library computer, trusted friend's phone, or other device the abusive partner cannot access may be safer for sensitive searches.
-Assume your device may be monitored. If you suspect spyware or monitoring, don't suddenly make major changes that could alert the person causing harm.
-Change passwords from a safer device. Use passwords the abusive partner cannot guess and avoid sharing passwords.
-Use two-factor authentication when it is safe to do so, preferably through an authentication app or an account/device the abusive partner cannot access.
-Check account activity. Look for unfamiliar devices, logged-in sessions, recovery email addresses, phone numbers, or connected accounts.
-Review location sharing. Check services such as Find My, Google location sharing, social media, ride-share apps, and photo-sharing apps.
-Be careful with social media. Avoid posting your location, workplace, home, daily routine, or information that reveals where you are.
-Turn off automatic location tagging on photos and social media if appropriate.
-Don't share passwords or PINs just because your partner demands them.
-Be cautious with shared accounts. Family phone plans, cloud accounts, streaming accounts, email accounts, and shared calendars can sometimes reveal information about you.
-Check your Bluetooth connections and connected devices for anything unfamiliar.
-Review app permissions. Pay attention to apps that have access to your location, microphone, camera, contacts, or messages.
-Be careful when searching for help. Searching for shelters, attorneys, protection orders, or safety planning information can potentially be visible through browser history, account activity, or network monitoring.
-Don't rely only on deleting browser history. It may not remove activity stored elsewhere.
-Create a safety plan before making major technology changes. Removing access, changing passwords, or disabling tracking can sometimes escalate danger.
-Save important evidence safely. Screenshots, threatening messages, voicemails, emails, and other documentation may be useful, but store them somewhere the abusive partner cannot access.
-Consider a new email account for safety-related communication, and don't connect it to shared accounts.
-Be careful about cloud backups. Photos, messages, and documents may automatically sync to an account the abusive partner can access.
-Don't confront someone about suspected monitoring. If you believe your technology is being monitored, consider talking with a domestic violence advocate first.
One important message for survivors
You are not doing anything wrong by using the internet to seek help. Technology-facilitated abuse is still abuse. If you think your device or accounts are being monitored, focus on safety rather than trying to immediately remove every form of monitoring.
