Facebook-f Icon-instagram-1
Exit Site

Cover Your Tracks

Domestic Abuse

STAY SAFE. BE PREPARED and PLAN

You can click on the orange icon to leave this site in a single click.

We recognise that it’s not easy to search for help online or by phone when you feel your actions and ‘history’ might be tracked and used against you. If you feel confident enough, please speak to a member of your child’s school who can support you with this. They can provide a safe space and resources for you to access the internet in private.  Here are a few tips to help you stay safe as you take those vital steps forward to freedom and support.

  • Save the phone number of your local/regional helpline. You could give this a ‘cover name’. For Essex, Southend, and Thurrock, this would be COMPASS. (0330 333 7 444).
  • Remember if you feel threatened or intimidated it is always ok to call 999. Press 55 if you are unable to speak.
  • Wherever possible, use a computer in a public place such as your child’s school library.
  • Be familiar with the LEAVE SITE buttons throughout the Listening Hub Website. You’ll see these on each page. They will take you to a new page at the click of a button.
  • If you have to access the internet from home, or on a laptop that you feel could be compromised, we suggest taking time to learn how to remove your search history.
  • Take similar precautions to remove history from your mobile phone browser.
    ○ Iphones
    ○ Android
  • Change your passwords regularly.
  • Make plans. Think about how you’d get out if the situation were violent. Consider keeping your ID and essential items in an accessible place.
  • Consider setting up a ‘help code’ – a word/sign for if you are in danger. Share this with trusted family and friends. It can be a sign, a gesture, or a word. Something that, if you text or Facetime they would recognize that you need them to call the police.
  • Consider sharing your ‘help code’ with any age-appropriate children. Teach them, during a calm moment, how they can access the emergency services if needed.
  • Try and have a little money accessible in case you need to travel. Please know that, if you aren’t able to access funds, there are schemes that will help with travel costs.

Make a Difference in the Lives of Others

Donate Now