{"id":320891,"date":"2025-11-07T14:19:57","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T19:19:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/?p=135489"},"modified":"2025-11-07T14:19:57","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T19:19:57","slug":"safe-connectivity-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/safe-connectivity-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Safe Connectivity Tips for Domestic Violence Victims"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<p>If you are a victim of domestic violence, it\u2019s possible your abuser has used technology to control you \u2014 and may still be doing so even if you\u2019ve left the relationship. Technology-facilitated abuse can include account compromise and surveillance, harassment on calls\/texts\/social media, image-based abuse (including AI-generated sexual images), location tracking via apps or Bluetooth trackers, and misuse of smart-home and connected-car features. Recent national and service data show these behaviors are common in partner abuse contexts: see overviews from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aic.gov.au\">Australian Institute of Criminology<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esafety.gov.au\">eSafety Commissioner (Australia)<\/a>, the UK\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/revengepornhelpline.org.uk\/\">Revenge Porn Helpline<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ons.gov.uk\/peoplepopulationandcommunity\/crimeandjustice\">ONS<\/a>, and U.S. program snapshots from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techsafety.org\/\">NNEDV\u2019s Safety Net<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/static1.squarespace.com\/static\/51dc541ce4b03ebab8c5c88c\/t\/5ba2656f8a922da48d8348bd\/1537369456067\/2018_09_10_+TAS+GAN+CCAW+Summary.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\u201cTech Abuse: Information From the Field,\u201d<\/a> a 2018 survey by the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/nnedv.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">National Network to End Domestic Violence<\/a> (NNEDV), \u201ctechnology misuse is often intertwined with other forms of abuse survivors are facing in their daily life.\u201d Since then, newer population and service indicators have strengthened the picture: national surveys in Australia find roughly one in three adults have experienced technology\u2011facilitated abuse and about one in five in the past 12 months, with higher rates among women and younger adults; among those who experienced partner violence, a majority also report partner\u2011perpetrated tech abuse such as monitoring, account compromise, or location tracking (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aic.gov.au\">AIC<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esafety.gov.au\">eSafety<\/a>). UK helpline and police records show sustained increases in image\u2011based abuse and sextortion, often involving current or former partners (<a href=\"https:\/\/revengepornhelpline.org.uk\/\">Revenge Porn Helpline<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ons.gov.uk\/peoplepopulationandcommunity\/crimeandjustice\">ONS<\/a>). U.S. domestic violence programs similarly report that technology misuse\u2014harassment, doxxing, account compromise, GPS tracking, stalkerware, and smart\u2011home interference\u2014is routinely addressed in safety planning (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.techsafety.org\/\">NNEDV Safety Net<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That same survey showed that only 13% of domestic violence advocates feel totally confident that they have the skills to help victims and survivors with their concerns and challenges involving technology. Recent program snapshots echo the need for ongoing training, tools, and survivor\u2011centered tech guidance; advocates frequently rely on resources from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techsafety.org\/\">NNEDV Safety Net<\/a> to address stalkerware, account security, image\u2011based abuse, and connected\u2011device misuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In This Article:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"#understanding\">Understanding the Technology Around You<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#benefit\">Use Tech to Your Benefit<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#secure\">Secure Your Home<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#incorporating\">Incorporating Smart Tech Into Your Home and Life<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#alone\">Know You\u2019re Not Alone<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#danger\">If You Are In Danger<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you are in immediate danger, please call 911, but if you are experiencing domestic violence and seeking help, resources or information, confidential trained advocates are available 24\/7\/365 at no cost through the <\/strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Domestic Violence Hotline<\/strong><\/a><strong>. You can also text START to 88788 or chat at thehotline.org (English\/Spanish; interpretation available).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The list of potential abuses you need to manage as a victim is already lengthy and overwhelming, from financial to emotional to physical. But as<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\" target=\"_blank\"> statistics show<\/a> steady year-over-year growth in the number of connected homes, with no end to this trend in sight, ensuring you understand how technology can be used \u2014 both against you and to your benefit \u2014 is important. New policies and labels are raising the security floor for connected devices, including the UK\u2019s PSTI regime (no default passwords, vulnerability disclosure, update transparency) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\">learn more<\/a>) and the U.S. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\">Cyber Trust Mark<\/a> program ramping in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.reviews.com\/uploads\/2019\/09\/18053443\/Safe-Connectivity-for-Domestic-Violence-Victims_Spot-01_091619.gif\" height=\"1620\" width=\"2880\"  alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-135494\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"understanding\">Identify and Understand the Technology Around You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re living with your abuser, or still in a relationship with them in some way, the first step is to take an inventory of what smart technology devices are in your home. Abusers can use internet-, home network-, WiFi-, or Bluetooth-connected speakers, cameras, locks, doorbells and more to harass, stalk, harm and otherwise attempt to control your movements and activities. Connected vehicles, wearables, and shared \u201cfind my\u201d or family-location features are also commonly misused. Both iOS and Android now include cross\u2011platform alerts for unknown Bluetooth trackers under the Apple\/Google industry specification (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\">see details<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They can also use smart toys and items designed to increase children\u2019s safety, such as baby monitors, in invasive ways. NNEDV notes that some toys \u201ccome equipped with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techsafety.org\/smart-toys\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">cameras, microphones, and speakers<\/a> so the toys can interact with the child,\u201d but most of these toys are not built with strong security protections and may give \u201cunauthorized video or audio access \u2026 [that] could be used to stalk, control or harass a survivor.\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make a list of all the devices you can find in your home and identify who installed them and who has access to the device\u2019s account or app. Some tech is easily visible; other tech, such as motion sensors tucked on book shelves or in room corners, may be less obvious. If you are unsure what devices are currently active in your home, or are concerned some might be hidden,<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techsafety.org\/homeautomation\" target=\"_blank\"> NNEDV has put together a detailed list<\/a> of gadgets to look for, along with potential tactics abusers may attempt. Where relevant, look for unknown Bluetooth trackers (phones can surface alerts), review connected\u2011car companion apps for shared keys\/profiles, disable telematics\/location sharing you don\u2019t need, and audit account access\/logs for vehicles and wearables (see broader trends from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esafety.gov.au\">eSafety<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techsafety.org\/\">NNEDV Safety Net<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A few common household devices the NNEDV includes on its list:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Thermostat<\/li><li>Smoke detectors<\/li><li>Video doorbells<\/li><li>Entertainment systems<\/li><li>Smart lightbulbs<\/li><li>Appliances<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>NNEDV also suggests <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techsafety.org\/wifi-safety-privacy-tips-for-survivors\" target=\"_blank\">understanding the Wi-Fi<\/a> you use and checking that Wi-Fi network history to see what devices are or have been connected. However, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techsafety.org\/wifi-safety-privacy-tips-for-survivors\" target=\"_blank\">it also suggests<\/a> you don\u2019t simply delete the whole history because that may give your abuser a heads up that you\u2019re looking into these issues. Where safe, harden your network: place smart devices on a separate SSID\/guest network, change the router admin password, enable automatic updates, and disable unneeded services like UPnP (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsc.gov.uk\">NCSC guidance<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/csrc.nist.gov\">NISTIR 8425<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Don\u2019t simply delete your whole browsing history because that may give your abuser a heads up that you\u2019re looking into these issues.<\/p><cite>National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve identified what\u2019s being used in your home, educate yourself about how the devices work, how they\u2019re being used and what information they might be tracking. And if you use technology like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/smart-home\/opt-out-of-google-homes-tracking-features\/\">Google Home<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/smart-home\/prevent-alexa-from-tracking-you\/\">Alexa<\/a>, and <a href=\"\/home\/smart-home\/best-voice-assistant\/\">Siri<\/a>, there are ways you can opt out of the tracking features that come with them. Also figure out how to spot changes in the tech \u2014 whether it\u2019s a device that begins working differently or a new device that appears in your home \u2014 and use built\u2011in safety tools like Apple\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\">Safety Check<\/a> to reset sharing and account access if needed. Cross\u2011platform alerts for unknown Bluetooth trackers can also help identify covert trackers near you (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\">Apple\/Google spec<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And recognize that what\u2019s going on around you in your home may be happening specifically because your abuser is controlling this kind of tech. Graciela Rodriguez, who runs an emergency shelter at the Center for Domestic Peace in San Rafael, California, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2018\/06\/23\/technology\/smart-home-devices-domestic-abuse.html\" target=\"_blank\">spoke with The New York Times<\/a> about what she\u2019s been hearing more recently from those accessing the shelter\u2019s services. She told the New York Times that \u201csome people had recently come in with tales of \u2018the crazy-making things\u2019 like thermostats suddenly kicking up to 100 degrees or smart speakers turning on blasting music. They feel like they\u2019re losing control of their home. After they spend a few days here, they realize they were being abused.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>&#8220;Technology, in its various forms, offers essential tools victims can use to access help, strategically maintain safety and privacy, and remain connected to family and friends. It can also be used to prove guilt and hold offenders accountable.\u201d<\/p><cite>NNEDV&#8217;s <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Safety Net Project (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techsafety.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">Safety Net Project<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"benefit\">Use Tech to Your Benefit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While it may feel like smart tech is more of a negative than a positive, \u201ctechnology, in its various forms,\u201d states the NNEDV\u2019s <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techsafety.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">Safety Net Project<\/a>, \u201coffers essential tools victims can use to access help, strategically maintain safety and privacy, and remain connected to family and friends. It can also be used to prove guilt and hold offenders accountable.\u201d Practical steps include using a safer device for planning if your phone or computer might be monitored (<a href=\"https:\/\/ssd.eff.org\">EFF guidance<\/a>), enabling strong authentication on accounts, and documenting tech\u2011facilitated abuse. If you are targeted with image\u2011based abuse, AI\u2011generated \u201cdeepfakes,\u201d or sextortion, save evidence (screenshots\/URLs), report to platforms, do not pay extortion demands, and seek help; recent laws and enforcement actions are expanding protections (e.g., new UK offenses covering intimate image abuse including deepfakes in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\">2024<\/a>, and the U.S. FCC\u2019s action against AI\u2011voice robocalls <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\">2024<\/a>). The FBI\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ic3.gov\/Media\/PDF\/AnnualReport\/2023_IC3Report.pdf\">Internet Crime Report 2023<\/a> also highlights the rise and impact of sextortion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.reviews.com\/uploads\/2019\/09\/18060041\/Safe-Connectivity-for-Domestic-Violence-Victims_Spot_02_091619.gif\" height=\"1620\" width=\"2880\"  alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-135502\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping a technology abuse log is one suggestion NNEDV makes to all victims because as the organization says, this type of detailed documentation can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Give you a record of what is happening, which may be helpful if you want to pursue legal actions. Include dates\/times, screenshots or photos of device changes\/notifications, platform usernames\/URLs, and any access logs available.<\/li><li>Alert you to any escalation in monitoring and control, which may indicate the danger is increasing as well. Track incidents across modalities (calls\/texts, social media, account access alerts, unknown trackers, connected\u2011car notifications) to spot patterns.<\/li><li>Help you see patterns of the technology abuse and may help determine how the abuser is misusing a particular technology.While The New York Times <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2018\/06\/23\/technology\/smart-home-devices-domestic-abuse.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">reports<\/a> that lawyers are \u201cwrangling with how to add language to restraining orders to cover smart home technology,\u201d many jurisdictions now expressly allow courts to prohibit remote control or surveillance via connected devices and trackers. For example, New York\u2019s Family Court Act \u00a7 842 and Criminal Procedure Law \u00a7 530.12 authorize orders to bar remote control of \u201cconnected devices\u201d affecting a victim\u2019s home, vehicle, or property (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nysenate.gov\/legislation\/laws\/FCT\/842\">FCA \u00a7 842<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nysenate.gov\/legislation\/laws\/CPL\/530.12\">CPL \u00a7 530.12<\/a>), and Washington\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/rcw\/default.aspx?cite=7.105\">RCW 7.105<\/a> defines coercive control to include technology\u2011facilitated monitoring.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While The New York Times <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2018\/06\/23\/technology\/smart-home-devices-domestic-abuse.html\" target=\"_blank\">reports<\/a> lawyers are \u201cwrangling with how to add language to restraining orders to cover smart home technology,\u201d it also reports that \u201cadvocates are beginning to educate emergency responders that when people get restraining orders, they need to ask the judge to include all smart home device accounts known and unknown to victims.\u201d Since then, courts and legislatures have expanded tools to address tech abuse: New York explicitly covers \u201cconnected devices\u201d in protection orders (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nysenate.gov\/legislation\/laws\/FCT\/842\">FCA \u00a7 842<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nysenate.gov\/legislation\/laws\/CPL\/530.12\">CPL \u00a7 530.12<\/a>), Washington modernized protection orders and embedded technology\u2011facilitated coercive control (<a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/rcw\/default.aspx?cite=7.105\">RCW 7.105<\/a>), and more states recognize coercive control in domestic abuse laws (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsl.org\/human-services\/coercive-control-in-domestic-violence-laws\">NCSL 2024<\/a>). UK guidance on controlling or coercive behaviour similarly highlights smart devices and spyware as tools of abuse (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/controlling-or-coercive-behaviour-statutory-guidance-framework\">Home Office guidance<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>If you suspect your abuser may have bugged your phone or installed tracking software, restore the device to factory settings and create a new strong password.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"secure\">Secure Your Home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019ve ended an abusive relationship, it may feel tempting to just unplug and toss everything. But typically there are ways to save and reuse the tech to your benefit. For instance, don\u2019t dump your mobile phone because this may cause you to become isolated from those family and friends who can offer support, as well as cut you off from emergency services. Do, however, separate any combined phone plans you have with your abuser, especially if you\u2019re going to add mobile-app-based security. And if you suspect your abuser may have bugged your phone or installed tracking software, restore the device to factory settings and create a new strong password. Consider using a safer device for planning if compromise is suspected (<a href=\"https:\/\/ssd.eff.org\">EFF<\/a>), run Apple\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\">Safety Check<\/a> or Android equivalents to reset sharing and access, enable multi\u2011factor authentication or passkeys on critical accounts, and review which devices and apps have access to your car\u2019s telematics or smart\u2011home hubs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.reviews.com\/uploads\/2019\/09\/18060009\/Safe-Connectivity-for-Domestic-Violence-Victims_Spot-03.gif\" height=\"1620\" width=\"2880\"  alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-135501\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re still living in the home, but the abuser has left, you\u2019ll want to take steps to secure your space. The abuser may still be connected remotely and still using smart devices to intimidate or control you. In this case, other actions to consider taking include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Changing your passwords (and consider using a password manager to generate strong passwords in case your abuser has at one time had access to your passwords)<\/li><li>Changing router or network settings<\/li><li>Disabling the devices by using reset buttons<\/li><li>Contacting the device manufacturers and asking them to change account ownership and access<\/li><li>Using two-factor authentication when resetting device apps<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"incorporating\">Incorporate Smart Technology Into Your Home and Life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re out of the abusive situation and in control of your own home, individual connected devices can be a wise choice for security. <a href=\"\/home\/security-systems\/best-video-doorbell\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Video doorbells<\/a> with high-resolution cameras and wide fields of vision let you easily see who\u2019s at or near your door, offering extra security when both expected and unexpected individuals arrive at your home. Newer models add on\u2011device person\/vehicle detection and radar\u2011enhanced motion to improve alert precision and reduce false notifications (e.g., Ring\u2019s 3D Motion Detection and Bird\u2019s Eye View) (<a href=\"https:\/\/ring.com\">learn more<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/home\/smart-home\/best-smart-locks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Smart locks<\/a> can be connected to smart lights, so you can illuminate your home before you step inside. Some smart locks come with built-in alarms that go off when there is a forced entry. If you\u2019re concerned you forgot to lock your door before leaving, apps allow you to check in and secure your home remotely. Recent platforms also support hands\u2011free, proximity\u2011based unlocking with secure mobile keys and improved guest management for time\u2011limited codes (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\">iOS 18: UWB home keys and Guest Access<\/a>). These features can make it easier to revoke access quickly and see who has keys without sharing physical copies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"\/home\/security-systems\/best\/\" target=\"_blank\">Full home security systems<\/a> with intrusion sensors, surveillance videos and safety monitoring capabilities are also an option, as are <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"\/home\/security-systems\/best-diy\/\" target=\"_blank\">DIY security systems.<\/a> Both can offer advanced home automation features, and voice assistant compatibility is becoming more and more standard. Interoperability improvements like <a href=\"https:\/\/csa-iot.org\">Matter 1.4<\/a> and Thread help different brands work locally and reliably together\u2014useful if you need to transfer devices or reduce cloud dependency. If you use professional monitoring, ask about AVS\u201101 alarm validation to reduce false dispatches (<a href=\"https:\/\/tma.us\/standards\/avs-01\/\">TMA\u2011AVS\u201101<\/a>). When buying new devices, prefer products aligned with the UK PSTI requirements (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\">guidance<\/a>) or the U.S. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\">Cyber Trust Mark<\/a> labeling as it becomes available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All of the above can help offer some peace of mind, whether your abuser is completely out of the picture or still in contact in some way.&nbsp; &nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"alone\">Know You\u2019re Not Alone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bjs.gov\/content\/pub\/pdf\/ndv0312.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Bureau of Justice Statistics<\/a>, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and\/or intimate partner stalking, and intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent victimizations. Newer indicators show technology is frequently part of abuse: recent Australian national surveys report one\u2011third of adults have experienced technology\u2011facilitated abuse and around one\u2011fifth in the past year, with most survivors of partner violence also reporting partner\u2011perpetrated tech abuse (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aic.gov.au\">AIC<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esafety.gov.au\">eSafety<\/a>). UK helpline and police data show rising image\u2011based abuse and sextortion, with many cases involving current or former partners (<a href=\"https:\/\/revengepornhelpline.org.uk\/\">Revenge Porn Helpline<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ons.gov.uk\/peoplepopulationandcommunity\/crimeandjustice\">ONS<\/a>). U.S. programs report very high proportions of survivors experiencing harassment, account compromise, tracking, stalkerware, and smart\u2011home interference (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.techsafety.org\/\">NNEDV Safety Net<\/a>). If you need support, 24\/7 confidential help is available from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/\">National Domestic Violence Hotline<\/a>; youth can also contact <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loveisrespect.org\/\">love is respect<\/a>, Indigenous survivors can reach the <a href=\"https:\/\/strongheartshelpline.org\/\">StrongHearts Native Helpline<\/a>, and Deaf\/HH survivors can reach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thedeafhotline.org\/\">The Deaf Hotline<\/a>. For local victim services and compensation programs, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/ovc.ojp.gov\">OVC directory<\/a>, and for pet\u2011inclusive options, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/safeplaceforpets.org\/\">Safe Place for Pets<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are one of those individuals, one additional tech-related safety resource you might want to access is NNEDV\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/techsafetyapp.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Tech Safety app<\/a>, available in English and Spanish, which helps \u201cidentify technology-facilitated harassment, stalking or abuse,\u201d and offers tips on what to do in six categories: harassment, impersonation, cellphone safety, device safety, location safety and online safety. Within each category, the app shares \u201cspecific explanations on what someone can do if they are being harassed, as well as privacy tips that can be used to increase privacy and security.\u201d While NNEDV clearly states the information the app shares is not meant to be a comprehensive safety plan, it does provide resources on where to call for help and how to document abuse, work with a domestic violence advocate, contact the police, and find an attorney. Evidence on \u201csafety apps\u201d varies by type: educational\/guidance tools like NNEDV\u2019s are low\u2011risk information hubs; decision\u2011aid tools such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.myplanapp.org\/\">myPlan<\/a> have peer\u2011reviewed evidence of improving safety planning; covert \u201cpanic\u201d or \u201cspyware\u2011detection\u201d apps can increase risk if a device is compromised. Use these resources from a safer device and pair them with OS safety controls like <a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\">Safety Check<\/a> and expert guidance from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techsafety.org\/\">NNEDV<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/ssd.eff.org\">EFF<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you are currently in a violent relationship or a survivor of domestic violence, you may feel alone, but you are not. And there are many ways to once again feel safe and secure in your own home.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"danger\">If You Are In Danger<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If you are in immediate danger, please call 911, but if you are experiencing domestic violence and seeking help, resources or information, confidential trained advocates are available 24\/7\/365 at no cost through the <\/em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">National Domestic Violence Hotline<\/a><em>. Call them at 1-800-799-7233 (1-800-787-3224 for TTY) or, if you are certain that your computer or mobile phone is not being monitored by your abuser or a third-party, <\/em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">chat with an advocate through the NDVH website<\/a><em>. You can also text START to 88788. Services are available in English and Spanish with interpretation in many languages.&nbsp; <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n  <style>\n    .myFinance-widget {\n    min-height: 670px;\n    }\n  <\/style>\n  <div class=\"myFinance-widget\" data-widget-id=\"7c9fe833-dde7-4eb5-b71f-d741b8cccd66\" data-campaign=\"reviews-non-monitored-security\"><\/div>\n\n<script async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"myFinance-widget-script\">\n  !function () {function e() {var s = \"myFinance-widget-ad-script\";if (!document.getElementById(s)) {var e = document.createElement(\"script\"), n = document.getElementById(\"myFinance-widget-script\"), a = t + \"widget\/myFinance.js\";e.id = s, e.type = \"text\/javascript\", e.async = !0, e.src = a, n.parentNode.insertBefore(e, n);}var c = \"myFinance-widget-css\";if (!document.getElementById(c)) {var d = document.getElementsByTagName(\"head\")[0], i = document.createElement(\"link\");i.id = c, i.rel = \"stylesheet\", i.type = \"text\/css\", i.href = t + \"widget\/myFinance.css\", i.media = \"all\", d.appendChild(i)}}var t = \"https:\/\/static.myfinance.com\/\";document.attachEvent ? document.attachEvent(\"onreadystatechange\", function () {\"complete\" === document.readyState && e()}) : document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", e, !1)}();\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you are a victim of domestic violence, it\u2019s possible your abuser has used technology to control you \u2014 and may still be doing so even if you\u2019ve left the relationship. Technology-facilitated abuse can include account compromise and surveillance, harassment on calls\/texts\/social media, image-based abuse (including AI-generated sexual images), location tracking via apps or Bluetooth [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":345,"featured_media":135492,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1286],"tags":[],"post_author":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Safe Connectivity Tips for Domestic Violence Victims - Reviews.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A guide to Safe Connectivity Tips for Domestic Violence Victims\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/safe-connectivity-tips\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Safe Connectivity Tips for Domestic Violence Victims - 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