Technology Safety Planning
When safety planning, it is also important to consider technology. There are many ways someone can use technology to cause harm, stalk, and/or abuse a person.
Here are some tips from the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) about technology safety:
Here are some tips from the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) about technology safety:
Create strong passwords (12 – 15 characters long, containing letters, numbers, and symbols). Keep them private. Change passwords if there is a concern that they are compromised. The Safety Net Project has more information about how to create a strong password.
If you are worried someone is monitoring your computer, cell phone, or tablet, use a different device that person would not have physical access to. This could be a library computer or a friend’s device.
If it seems like someone knows too much about you, trust your instincts. They may be getting information from different sources like social media accounts, by tracking your phone or GPS, or by monitoring your devices.
If it seems like someone knows too much about you, trust your instincts. They may be getting information from different sources like social media accounts, by tracking your phone or GPS, or by monitoring your devices.
If you discover you are being monitored, think about how to proceed before throwing away the device or technology.
Sometimes, abusers may escalate the dangerous behavior when they feel they are losing control of the victim. It may be important to continue using the monitored device for daily activities, like checking the weather.
Sometimes, abusers may escalate the dangerous behavior when they feel they are losing control of the victim. It may be important to continue using the monitored device for daily activities, like checking the weather.
Try to use safer devices, such as a public computer at a library or a friend’s device, for seeking help and services. Email, text, and social media posts may not be secure ways to communicate.
For more information about technology safety, check out NNEDV’s toolkit:
Technology Safety & Privacy: A Toolkit for Survivors
Technology Safety & Privacy: A Toolkit for Survivors
