Technology Safety and Victim/Survivor Resources

This document provides links to resources that may be helpful if you are experiencing or know someone who is experiencing technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). It includes links to information about technology-facilitated violence, as well as support resources for victims/survivors of this violence across Canada.

These resources are based outside of the legal system and will not necessarily involve engagement with the legal system or any legal advice. If you are interested in pursuing legal remedies in response to technology-facilitated violence, such as making a claim in civil or family law or pursuing criminal charges, you should consult the Legal Remedies Toolkit. In particular, if you are interested in information and support concerning a legal remedy such as Victim Services or Legal Aid, see Legal Supports and Resources.

French-language resources are available here

Online Safety Guides and Resources

• Online Safety Guides and tip sheets created by the Edmonton Police Service
• Cybertip.ca This website, operated by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, provides age-appropriate information and resources to help educate Canadians about how to keep children safe while online and reduce child victimization. It includes information about intimate images, sextortion, and other online safety resources.
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre This website provides information about past and current online scams impacting Canadians.
• Online Safety Resources This website of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection includes links to online safety resources for children and youth.
• The Citizen Lab – Tools and Resources These resources contain information about protecting your information and privacy online. Created by the CitizenLab at the University of Toronto.
• DontGetSextorted.ca - This website provides information and techniques on avoiding sextortion online.
• A Guide for Trusted Adults This resource by Media Smarts is designed to prepare parents, guardians, teachers, and mentors to assist young women when they face problems online.
• Tech Without Violence This resource, created by the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women, contains prevention information and guides relating to cyberviolence and online safety.
• A Quick Guide on Sexual Image-Based Abuse. This guide created by YWCA Canada outlines rights, resources, and supports about sexual image-based abuse.

National Helplines

• Assaulted Women’s Helpline This helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 200 languages, including 17 Indigenous languages. Based in Ontario.
• Kids Help Phone 24-hour online and phone counselling available for those 5-20 years old.
• Hope for Wellness Helpline This support helpline is available 24/7 for Indigenous people across Canada.
• Youthspace. Online youth crisis and emotional support text and chat service, available 6 p.m. to midnight PST.

Domestic Violence Shelters and Services

• Sheltersafe.ca provides an interactive map of shelters for victims of domestic violence across Canada.
• Ending Violence Association of Canada maintains a list of shelters, transition houses, and support services available across Canada.
• Family Violence Responses This list of federal laws and programs related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.

Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines, and Support Services

• The Ending Violence Association of Canada maintains a list of national and province/territory-specific sexual assault centres, crisis lines, and support services.
• Draw-The-Line.ca is an online resource containing tools and information for preventing and addressing sexual violence, including certain forms of online violence. Based in Ontario.
• Technology Safety Canada Project Resources The resources on this website by Women’s Shelters Canada contain information about technology safety, technology-facilitated teen dating violence, and other useful information.
• Unacceptable This guide, created by the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund, contains information about the forms of technology-facilitated violence and options and remedies for victims of this violence.
• GetCyberSafe.ca This website, created and maintained by the Government of Canada, contains information and resources on securing your digital devices and online accounts.
• Stay Safe Online Guide created by the Government of Yukon.

Online Safety Guides and Resources

• Safety Net Project The National Network to End Domestic Violence has developed technology safety toolkits including a survivor toolkit and an app safety toolkit. Based in the United States.
• Combatting Cyber Sexual Abuse: A Manual for Advocates This manual prepared by the New York Cyber Sexual Abuse Task Force is designed to assist those advocating for and working with survivors of online sexual violence. Part 6 includes a section on technology safety planning and best practices. Based in the United States.
• Deepfakes: A Victim Resource Guide This guide compiled by EndTAB includes resources, tools, and strategies for anyone who has had deepfake videos created of them. Based in the United States.
• CCRI Safety Center The Cyber Civil Rights Initiative has created an online Safety Center with information and resources for victims of technology-facilitated violence. Based in the United States.
• Women’s Technology Safety and Privacy Toolkit This toolkit by Technology Safety Australia provides a large volume of information and resources about online privacy and safety. Updated frequently. Based in Australia.
• App Safety Centre This website by Technology Safety Australia contains information reviewing various personal safety apps. Based in Australia.
• DIY Cybersecurity for Domestic Violence This website created by HACK*BLOSSOM contains resources and strategies for victims of technology-facilitated abuse by their intimate partner. Based in the United States.
• Clinic to End Tech Abuse – Resources This website contains how-to guides related to online privacy and technology-facilitated violence. Based in the United States.
• Crash Override Resource Centre This website contains tools, guides, and educational materials related to online privacy. Based in the United States.
• Online Harassment Resources This resource by HeartMob provides information and guides related to technology-facilitated violence and online safety. Based in the United States.
• Extreme Privacy This resource contains a list of companies offering online information removal services. Based in the United States.
• Stalkerware Detection, Removal, and Prevention This resource provides information about stalkerware and removing it from your device. Based in the United States.
• Speak Up & Stay Safe(r) This guide, produced by Feminist Frequency, contains information for preventing and addressing doxxing and online harassment. Based in the United States.
• Consumer Reports Security Planner This online tool creates a personalized plan for securing your data. Based in the United States.
• Surveillance Self-Defense This resource created by the Electronic Frontier Foundation contains guides for protecting yourself online. Based in the United States.
• Digital Rights and Privacy Resources This list, compiled by Best VPN, contains links to mobile privacy apps, computer privacy software, and other resources. Based in the United States.
• eSafety Commissioner Australia This website contains information and resources on maintaining safety and privacy online. Based in Australia.
• Resources – Hacking//Hustling This website contains online safety resources and technology safety tips. Based in the United States.
• Cyberbullying This resource, created by the Office of Children and Family Services of New York State, contains courses on cyberbullying and sexting tailored to users 14 and under as well as 15 and over. Based in the United States.
• Nonconsensual Pornography (NCP) This toolkit created by Operation Safe Escape explores issues around nonconsensual pornography. Based in the United States.
• Stalkerware This toolkit created by Operation Safe Escape explores issues around stalkerware. Based in the United States.
• PEN America Online Harassment Field Manual This website provides tips and resources for responding to online harassment.
• The Data Detox Kit This toolkit, created by Tactical Tech, includes steps you can take to secure your privacy and secure your online life.
• Take Back the Tech This website contains resources and information on gender-based violence taking place online including extortion and harassment.
• Digital Hygiene Lessons This resource prepared by TrollBusters includes tips for managing your data online.

Domestic Violence Shelters and Services

• Family Violence Responses – Yukon This list of laws and programs in the territory related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
• The Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Provides a safe space for women to connect and access support services.
• List of Women’s Shelters This list and contact information is maintained by the government of Yukon.

Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines, and Support Services

• Information and Support for Victims of Sexual Assault This list of agencies providing formal and informal counselling and support for victims of sexual assault is maintained by the Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres.
• Get Help: You Were Sexually Assaulted This list of information and resources is maintained by the Government of Yukon.

Domestic Violence Shelters and Services

• Family Violence Responses – Northwest Territories This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada
  
• Family Violence Service Contacts and Information This list is compiled by the Status of Women Council of the Northwest Territories.
• NWT Family Violence Shelters This list of shelters and contact information is maintained by the government of the Northwest Territories.
• NWT Community Counselling Program This program provides access to counselling and mental health services across the Northwest Territories.

Domestic Violence Shelters and Services

• Family Violence Responses – Nunavut This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
• Cambridge Bay Wellness Centre Provides a variety of wellness programs including counselling and support services.
• Family Violence Shelters This list of phone numbers for Nunavut shelters is maintained by the Government of Nunavut.

Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines, and Support Services

• Information and Support for Victims of Sexual Assault This list of agencies providing formal and informal counselling and support for victims of sexual assault is maintained by the Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres.
• Believe-Ask-Connect This online collection of resources for individuals experiencing violence is maintained by Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada.

Domestic Violence Shelters and Services

• Family Violence Responses – British Columbia This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
• Technology Safety Project Resources – BC Society of Transition Houses The resources on this website contain information about technology safety, technology-facilitated teen dating violence, and other useful information. See also Technology Safety and Privacy Toolkit.
• VictimLink BC This service provides information and referrals to all victims of crime and immediate crisis support to victims of family and sexual violence.
• “Need Help” – List of Services from EVA BC – The Ending Violence Association of BC maintains a list of domestic violence supports across B.C., divided by region.
• BCSTH Directory of Programs and Services The BC Society of Transition Houses maintains a list of transition houses, safe homes, and other programs and services across BC related to domestic violence.
• Women Fleeing Violence This list of transition houses and other housing and support programs is maintained by BC Housing
• Community Resources for Metro Vancouver This list of family violence resources is maintained by the Vancouver and Lower Mainland Multicultural Family Support Services Society.

Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines, and Support Services

• Information and Support for Victims of Sexual Assault This list of agencies providing formal and informal counselling and support for victims of sexual assault is maintained by the Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres.
• VictimLink BC This service provides information and referrals to all victims of crime and immediate crisis support to victims of family and sexual violence.

Domestic Violence Shelters and Services

• Family Violence Responses – Alberta This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
  
• ACWS Member Shelters This map of shelters across Alberta and contact information is maintained by the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters
• Find Shelters This list of family violence shelters and other housing initiatives is maintained by the Government of Alberta.
• Find Your Program This list of community service programs is maintained by the Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta.

Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines, and Support Services

• Information and Support for Victims of Sexual Assault This list of agencies providing formal and informal counselling and support for victims of sexual assault is maintained by the Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres.
• Sexual Violence – Get Help This list of resources is maintained by the Government of Alberta.

Domestic Violence Shelters and Services

• Family Violence Responses – Saskatchewan This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
• Interpersonal Violence and Abuse Programs This list of services is maintained by the Government of Saskatchewan.

Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines, and Support Services

• Information and Support for Victims of Sexual Assault This list of agencies providing formal and informal counselling and support for victims of sexual assault is maintained by the Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres.
• Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan – Resources Locations This interactive map provides contact information for sexual assault resource centres across Saskatchewan.

Domestic Violence Shelters and Services

• Family Violence Responses – Manitoba This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
• Find a Service by Category This list of resources and services for victims of violence is maintained by Ending Violence Manitoba.
• Resources and Supports This list of resources and supports related to family violence is maintained by the Government of Manitoba.
• Find a Shelter – This list of shelters is maintained by the Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters.

Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines, and Support Services

• Information and Support for Victims of Sexual Assault This list of agencies providing formal and informal counselling and support for victims of sexual assault is maintained by the Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres.
• Klinic Community Health Sexual Assault Crisis Line This 24/7 crisis line provides support for anyone who has experienced sexual assault.

Domestic Violence Shelters and Services

• Family Violence Responses – Ontario This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
• Domestic violence information sheet Created by the Government of Ontario. Includes information on hiding your Internet activity.
• Indigenous Community Wellness Workers If you are Indigenous, you can talk to a Community Wellness Worker to get programs and services for family violence.
• Healing Lodges Indigenous victims of violence may visit a healing lodge to access residential and day programs using traditional Indigenous healing and contemporary therapeutic interventions.
• Indigenous Family Violence Healing Program Women and children experiencing violence and seeking safety can find safe residential spaces and supportive and holistic healing spaces.
• Shelters for Indigenous Women and Children Women and children experiencing violence can access a short-term residence where they can obtain counselling and other support.
• Find a Centre Near You This list of sexual assault and domestic violence treatment programs is maintained by the Ontario Network of Domestic Violence Treatment Centres.

Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines, and Support Services

• Information and Support for Victims of Sexual Assault This list of agencies providing formal and informal counselling and support for victims of sexual assault is maintained by the Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres.
• OCRCC – Find Support This site contains links to sexual assault centres providing free counselling and information about sexual violence across Ontario. Organized by geographic location.

Domestic Violence Shelters and Services

• Family Violence Responses – Quebec This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.

• SOS Violence Conjugale Offers free, bilingual, anonymous, and confidential referral services. Available 24/7 and can provide direct access to information, support or shelter.
• Justice Quebec Provides resources for couples, families, and single people related to domestic violence, sexual violence, and family law.

Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines, and Support Services

• List of Sexual Assault Centres This is a list of sexual assault centres and other resources maintained by the Regroupement Québécois des centres d’aide et de lutte contre les agressions à caractère sexuel.

Domestic Violence Shelters and Services

• Family Violence Responses – Newfoundland and Labrador This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
• Family Resource Centres and Satellites This list of family resource centres is maintained by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Find a Shelter This list of shelters is maintained by the Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador

Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines, and Support Services

• Information and Support for Victims of Sexual Assault This list of agencies providing formal and informal counselling and support for victims of sexual assault is maintained by the Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres.
• Our Services – Newfoundland Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre This sexual assault centre operates a 24-hour support and information line, in-person supports, and other services.

Domestic Violence Shelters and Services

• Family Violence Responses – New Brunswick This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
• Support Services for Victims of Abuse This list of support services is maintained by the Government of New Brunswick
• Regional Violence Prevention Networks This list of agencies working on violence prevention initiatives across New Brunswick is maintained by the Government of New Brunswick

Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines, and Support Services

• Information and Support for Victims of Sexual Assault This list of agencies providing formal and informal counselling and support for victims of sexual assault is maintained by the Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres.
• Sexual Violence New Brunswick This organization provides support to sexual assault survivors in the Fredericton region.

Domestic Violence Shelters and Services

• Family Violence Responses – Nova Scotia This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
• Our Shelters This list of women’s shelters across Nova Scotia (outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality) is maintained by the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia.
• Violence and Abuse This resource from Nova Scotia 211 allows individuals to search for domestic violence resources in their region, including domestic violence shelters.

Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines, and Support Services

• Information and Support for Victims of Sexual Assault This list of agencies providing formal and informal counselling and support for victims of sexual assault is maintained by the Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres.
• Where to Get Help This interactive map created by the Sexual Violence Prevention & Supports Department of Community Service Nova Scotia provides contact information for sexual assault services across the province.

Domestic Violence Shelters and Services

• Family Violence Responses – Prince Edward Island This list of laws and programs in the province related to family violence was compiled by the Government of Canada.
• Emergency Services This list of emergency resources, including emergency domestic violence shelters, is maintained by the Premier’s Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention of Prince Edward Island.

Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines, and Support Services

• Information and Support for Victims of Sexual Assault This list of agencies providing formal and informal counselling and support for victims of sexual assault is maintained by the Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres.
• Prince Edward Island Rape and Sexual Assault Centre This Centre provides support for victims of recent and historical sexual violence.

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 or call/text the Kids Help Phone to discuss options and create a safety plan. You don’t need to stay in a shelter to access free, confidential services and support.

We gratefully acknowledge Suzie Dunn, PhD Candidate at the University of Ottawa for the creation of this information sheet. We gratefully acknowledge Moira Aikenhead for providing expertise to update this toolkit.