Digital Safety for Survivors: How to Research Housing Without Leaving a Trail

When you are planning to leave — or have recently left — an abusive relationship, the devices and accounts you use every day may be monitored. Here's how to research housing safely.

Use the right device. The safest options, in order: a device your abuser has never touched — a library computer, a friend's device, or a new prepaid phone; a library computer, which is free, not linked to your accounts, and easy to log out of; or your personal phone on a Wi-Fi network your abuser doesn't control. Avoid any device your abuser has had physical access to or uses regularly.

Incognito mode prevents your browser history from being saved on the device. It does NOT hide your activity from router logs, your internet provider, or monitoring software already installed on the device. Use it as one layer, not a complete solution.

Don't use any email account your abuser knows about. Create a new address on a safe device — consider ProtonMail (proton.me) for added privacy.

Safe Haven Title's website has a Quick Exit button that immediately redirects to a neutral page. We recommend always browsing safehaventitle.com in incognito mode. Find instructions for clearing your browser history at safehaventitle.com/safety.

After you move: update all accounts to your P.O. box address, change passwords on email and financial accounts, remove your address from social media and professional profiles, and inform trusted contacts through a safe channel.

The National DV Hotline's Safety Net program (nnedv.org) offers detailed technology safety resources for survivors.

In immediate danger? Call 911. National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 | Text START to 88788 (24/7, free, confidential).

This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship with safehaventitle.com, NewTech Partners LLC, or their staff. Laws vary by jurisdiction, consult a licensed attorney or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.