Advance security planning when separating from your partner
Separating from one’s partner is usually complicated, but in violent relationships, it can also be dangerous. You can always contact a specialist counselling centre in your area to help you plan further steps.
It can also be useful to develop a security plan regarding your technical security and digital media:
If you are being monitored by your partner, use devices that cannot be controlled. This is important, for example, when you are looking for a counselling centre or a new home, or when talking to friends about your plan to split up.
If your device or accounts are being monitored by your (ex) partner, they will find out if you delete monitoring apps or change passwords, as they will then no longer have access. If you are worried that this could put you in further danger, please contact a counselling centre before you change anything about your accounts and devices!
Secure your online accounts. Your (ex) partner might have access to your emails or other accounts. Create new and secure passwords for your accounts (e.g. email inbox, Facebook account, online banking account, etc.). Think about which accounts you might use together, e.g. access to the internet or mobile phone provider, and whether it makes sense to change the password for these accounts, too.
Your (ex) partner might try to find out your whereabouts after your breakup. Disable location tracking on your devices. If you have joint children bear their devices in mind, too. They could also be used for tracking.
Check your smartphone for unknown apps and possible spy apps.
Secure your data. Your (ex) partner may be deleting data to harm you. Think about what digital data your partner could have access to, such as photos, tax records, important work documents, etc., and back them up on an external hard drive (preferably a new one) or in a secure and trustworthy cloud.