Pause and consider immediate safety
Before replying to a message, meeting someone, changing a password, or gathering evidence, consider whether the action could increase risk. You may choose to leave a location, contact a trusted person, use a safer phone or computer, or ask an advocate to help you think through choices. Do not confront a person, attempt surveillance, access another person’s device or account, or test a theory solely to obtain proof. What is safest can depend on the situation and may change over time.
A practical safety plan can include trusted contacts, transportation, a safer place to go, access to essential documents, and a safer way to receive help. Consider whether shared accounts, cloud backups, location sharing, browser history, notifications, or household devices could reveal your plans. Changing settings can sometimes be noticed, so make changes only when it is safe. A qualified advocate can help tailor a plan to your circumstances and local resources.
Use factual records without taking extra risks
If it is safe, keep a simple log of direct observations and preserve original messages or files. Note dates, times, locations, what happened, and what you retained. Describe what you know separately from what you suspect. Documentation can help explain a pattern to a qualified reviewer, but it does not prove identity, motive, wrongdoing, or a future outcome. Your safety takes priority over completing a record.
Technology can create special concerns. A new alert, unfamiliar setting, or unexpected account activity can have several explanations. Avoid installing unknown software, sending sensitive screenshots to unverified recipients, or relying on an online tool to identify a person. For technology safety questions, a trained advocate or qualified professional can help you consider safer next steps. This public resource does not monitor devices, attribute activity to people, or promise to identify harmful software.
Connect with qualified support
VictimConnect describes itself as a confidential referral helpline offering support, information, and referrals for victims of crime. It can be a starting point for discussing local and national resources. SPARC publishes safety-planning and stalking-risk materials that can help survivors and responders consider the broader situation. These organizations have their own service limits and procedures; they are not substitutes for emergency response or individualized legal advice.
For legal questions, consult a qualified attorney in the relevant jurisdiction. For a report or complaint, use the agency that has authority over the conduct and follow its official instructions. No resource can promise a particular investigation, protection order, prosecution, employment action, or civil remedy. Ask a support professional about options, retain control of what you share, and use only communication methods that are safe for you.