Technology Safety & Privacy: A Toolkit for Survivors

The following resources contains safety tips, information, and privacy strategies for survivors on the use of technology. If you are concerned about reaching out to help, we have created a handout on Seeking Help Online: Considerations for Survivors. To talk to someone who can answer your questions and support you, call the following national hotlines:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or by online chat.

• National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673, or by online chat.

• National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888, or by textline.

There are many national hotlines that can provide help. Our list of National Victim Service Hotlines, is a great place to start, this not a complete list of all of the resources out there, but can help serve as a guide for you.

General Technology Safety

• Technology Safety Plan

• Documenting Abuse

• Assessing For Technology Abuse

• Video: How to Take a Screenshot

Phone & Computer Surveillance

• Spyware/Stalkerware Overview

• Spyware and Stalkerware: Phone Surveillance & Safety for Survivors

• Spyware and Stalkerware: Computer Surveillance & Safety for Survivors

Cellphones and Computers

• 12 Tips on Cell Phone Safety & Privacy

• Phone & Location Safety Strategies

• Survivors’ Options for Free Phones

• iPhone Privacy & Security Guide

• Video: How to Limit Location Access on a Smart Phone

• Video: How to Put a Passcode on Your Smart Phone

Internet of Things & Connected Devices

• Overview

• Home Automation

• Smart Toys

• Health Devices

• Connected Cars

Online Safety & Privacy

• Online Privacy & Safety Tips

• Video Series: Online Privacy & Safety

• Online Dating

• Online Gaming

• Being Web Wise

• Facebook Privacy & Safety: A Guide for Survivors of Abuse

• Safety & Privacy on Twitter: A guide for survivors of harassment and abuse

• Images, Consent, and Abuse

• Privacy Considerations When Posting Content Online

• 10 Easy Steps to Maximize Privacy

• Internet Browser Privacy Tips

• Password Safety

• People Searches & Data Brokers

• List of State Address Confidentiality Programs

• Voter Registration & Privacy

• WiFi Safety & Privacy

Technology & Sexual AssaulT

• Technology and Sexual Assault

• Assessing for Technology Misuse and Privacy Concerns with Survivors of Sexual Assault

Apps (For smartphones and tablets)

• Using a Safety App: Considerations for Survivors of Abuse

• App Safety Center

The creation of this toolkit was made possible by US DOJ-OVC Grant #2011-VF-GX-K016. Opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this toolkit are the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of DOJ.