Seeking Help Online: Safety and Privacy Considerations for Survivors
A Note on Language
In this toolkit, we will sometimes use the word woman/women and feminine pronouns for simplicity and to recognize the significant impact technology-facilitated violence has on women and girls. We recognize that TFGBV also impacts trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit people. We hope that all people impacted by TFGBV will find these documents useful.
It can be difficult and even paralyzing for women who are experiencing violence to sort out where and how to seek help. When in-person support services are not an available option, it is important to know that there are additional ways to access resources and support such as crisis lines (phone/text/chat) and virtual counselling support. When using these options, it is important to consider safety and security.
Shelter and transition house staff can provide this handout to survivors or adapt it to reflect their organization’s technology.
Safety Considerations Before Using Technology to Get Help
The information below will help you assess the available platforms and devices and figure out how to communicate safely with an anti-violence organization.
What If It Is Not Safe for You to Speak Aloud on the Phone?
Many helplines and services offer multiple ways to connect, including text messaging or online chat functions for more discreet conversations. You can also use technology strategically to get help or connect with people you trust. For instance, you may be able to use an unassuming app (one the abusive person may not monitor or look through), like a game that has a chat feature, to reach out to trusted friends. Consider what may be a safe option for you. Do you want to be able to call for help quickly? Or do you want a safe way to get a supportive ear when you need someone to talk to?
Could Someone See My Conversations If I Use a Text Line?
Depending on the way the text line is set up, the thread of the conversation may be saved to your device. Consider deleting the text threads once you are done to minimize the risk of someone else seeing it. You may also want to check to see if your text messages are backed up to the cloud. If your phone is set up to back up text messages, consider disabling this feature if there is a chance the abuser has access to the cloud account.
What If I Use a Chat Line? Are There Safety Considerations?
Chat messages are typically not saved to your device as you are typing directly into a chat box on a web page and the content of the messages usually deletes after closing the browser window. However, a record of what website you visited could be listed in your browser history. If safe to do so, go to your web browser settings and delete the browsing history you do not want someone else to see. Deleting the entire history may look suspicious if the person regularly monitors the browser activity so only delete these specific websites.
What If Someone Is Monitoring My Device Activity? How Do I Look for Support Services?
There are various ways someone could monitor a device, with each having different implications. If your partner has physical access to your device and they likely know your password or account information, they may be able to gain access to the information you share. This could include the thread of a text line or call logs.
If someone has installed stalkerware/spyware on your device, they will have access to anything that happens on the device, including websites visited, call logs, texts, and any information being backed up to your cloud-based storage.
If this is the case, it may be helpful to think of an alternative way to communicate. Consider connecting with friends or family via a code word or phrase to indicate that you need help. Remember to let your friends or family know what this means and what to do if you should use that strategy. You may also consider getting a cheap pay-as-you-go phone or a donated phone to have another device to make emergency calls, or using a different computer (e.g. at a library) to access a chat line.
Where Can I Get Help?
The violence you are experiencing is part of a continuum of violence that can be both online and in person. If you or someone you know is experiencing gender-based violence, you are not alone. You can use sheltersafe.ca to find a shelter/transition house near you to discuss options and create a safety plan. You may also find helpful resources in our Tech Safety Privacy Toolkit. You don’t need to stay in a shelter to access free, confidential services and support.
Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) is part of a continuum of violence that can be both online and in-person. If you or someone you know is experiencing TFGBV, you are not alone. You can use sheltersafe.ca to find a shelter/transition house near you to discuss options and create a safety plan. You don’t need to stay in a shelter to access free, confidential services and support.
Adapted for Canada with permission from NNEDV’s Safety Net project, based on their resource Seeking Help Online: Safety and Privacy Considerations for Women Experiencing Violence.