Digital Abuse

Many of us use smartphones and computers every day without thinking twice about the digital traces our activities can leave behind. If you believe your spouse or partner may be monitoring your communications, accessing your personal information or tracking your location through a mobile device, computer or other technology, taking steps to protect your privacy and personal information can help keep you safe.

Many digital devices leave traces that someone else may be able to access. A spouse or significant other who is monitoring your activity may:

• Access your private information.
• Gain control over your online accounts.
• Use your mobile device to track your location.
• Use tracking devices, such as AirTags, to monitor your location.

Smartphones and other electronic devices are a big part of our lives, but they can also be a place where unhealthy relationship patterns can develop. And it can be difficult to know when those patterns are healthy and when they might become harmful.

Modern technology has made it easier for people to harass, monitor or control a partner. This could include sharing sexually explicit images of a partner online without their consent, accessing personal accounts, tracking someone through smartphone apps or location-sharing features, using tracking devices or misusing connected technology such as smart home devices and voice assistants.

The following resources can help you keep your location and information secure from digital abuse — and keep track of it if it happens.