Technology Safety

Maintaining safety while using technology can be a challenge for survivors and victims of domestic violence. Modern technologies are increasingly used to gain and maintain power and control of another person. Cell phones, caller ID’s, computers, GPS technology, assistive technology, cameras, recording devices and other technologies can be used to intimidate, scare, monitor or threaten victims without an abuser’s physical presence.

GCADV recommends safety planning about your technology concerns with an advocate by calling 1.800.33.HAVEN (1.800.334.2836) V/TTY. If somebody seems to know everything about you, even things that you have not knowingly shared with others, it may be a sign that you are being monitored through technology. Planning for your safe use of technology may be a way to protect yourself from the violence you are experiencing.

Ways to Stay Safer While Using Technology

The following ideas may help someone experiencing technology abuse stay safer. However, these ideas may need to be changed according to your particular needs. Please contact a domestic violence advocate to discuss your specific plan for how to stay safer using technology. If you think that you are being monitored through technology, it is likely that you are.

Computers store information on the websites you have visited even if you delete your browsing history. Consider using a computer at a library, friend’s house, internet cafe or school to avoid an abuser’s ability to download spyware or keystroke loggers onto your personal computer.
Change your passwords regularly to something that could not be guessed easily. Use special characters ($%&), numbers and capital and lowercase letters.
Email, text messages or instant messages are not confidential forms of communication, especially to talk to someone about the abuse in your life.
It is important to remember that an abuser or an abuser’s friends can see what you post on Facebook, Twitter or other social networking tools. If you are thinking of leaving an abusive relationship or taking steps to leave, consider your posts very carefully since leaving can be very dangerous.

More Resources

GCADV recommends visiting http://www.nnedv.org/resources/safetynetdocs.html to learn more about ways to stay safer while using technology. If you are concerned you are being monitored, stalked or harassed through technology or if the person abusing you seems to know everything about what you are doing, it is likely you are being tracked with technology. Please call a domestic violence advocate at 1.800.334.2836 (V/TTY) to plan for your safety when using technology.