Phones, laptops, and online accounts are common parts of daily life. When someone is using technology to monitor, harass, or control a partner or former partner, small changes to passwords, location settings, and messaging habits can reduce risk while you plan next steps. This page is a practical companion to the For Individuals hub on Shared Safety Philadelphia. It does not replace legal advice or emergency services. If you are in immediate danger in Philadelphia, call 911. For confidential domestic violence support and referrals, call the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-723-3014.

Seven steps that help many people right away

1. Use a safer device when you can. A trusted friend phone, library computer, or work device may be less observed than a shared home tablet. Look up sensitive topics there when possible.
2. Change passwords on email and bank accounts. Pick long phrases you have not used before. Turn on two step login where the service offers it. Sign out of old sessions after you change passwords.
3. Review location sharing. Check maps, ride share, fitness, and family finder apps for live location or shared trips. Turn off what you do not need, and remove people you do not trust from shared lists.
4. Limit cloud photo and backup sync. Automatic backups can copy screenshots, messages, or photos to an account someone else can reach. Pause sync until you understand who has access.
5. Consider a new phone number or email for service providers. Hotline staff, legal aid, and housing programs can reach you on a line that is not tied to a family plan. Ask programs what contact options they support.
6. Keep a simple log of concerning events. Date, time, and short notes can help advocates and attorneys understand a pattern. Store the log where only you can open it.
7. Ask before you wipe a device. If you expect a police report or court case, talk with an advocate or attorney before deleting messages or accounts, since those items may be evidence.

How this connects to other Shared Safety resources

The For Individuals page lists the Safe in Philly map, toolkits for specific communities, and quick access to the hotline. If you need legal process information in several languages, open Guides for Immigrant Victims of Crime. Coalition staff and partners listed under Home can also point you to training and policy work that supports safer systems citywide.

If you want to reach Shared Safety directly about site content or partnerships, use the Contact page. When you are ready to talk through a safety plan that includes housing, court, or benefits, start with the hotline so a trained advocate can help you prioritize what to do first online and offline.