Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Technology Tools for Services and Remote Workplaces

During a public health crisis such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, when public health officials recommend “social distancing” to slow the spread of infection, technology tools may help support shifting to a remote workplace, mobile advocacy, and communicating with survivors.

In considering new technology, survivors must be at the center of our decision-making. This is true in ordinary times and must still apply even in a public health crisis.

1. Consider what services can be done remotely with web chat or video calls. Read more about Using Technology to Communicate with Survivors During a Public Health Crisis, and see our Digital Services Toolkit, available in English and Spanish. Read more about best practices for survivors who wish to provide Digital Written Consent to Release Information. You can also view recordings of our webinars for Decision-Makers or for Advocates.

2. Use tools that allow staff and advocates to work from home, including tools to allow staff and volunteers to communicate with each other (e.g. calls, instant messaging, video), and tools for sharing information while maintaining confidentiality (e.g. secure file sharing). Read more about Working Remotely During a Public Health Crisis. You can also view recordings of our webinars for Decision-Makers or for IT Staff.

3. Beyond the use of technology, read guidance for domestic violence shelters and other organizations serving survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We know that with any type of public health crisis, access to services can be even harder for survivors who are seeking resources and support. By adjusting how we operate to meet the needs of survivors and advocates, while also understanding the risks of using technology, we can help to ensure that survivors and advocates have the information they need to get help, and also do their jobs to the best of their ability.

If your agency has any questions or needs further guidance on how to implement digital services. Please Contact Us. You can also reach out to the Capacity Technical Assistance team for any other COVID-19 related questions.

2020 US Census: Considerations for Survivors of Domestic Violence

This month, the US Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency, is mailing forms to all households across the country, as they work to collect demographic data on everyone residing in the United States. The count is mandated by the US Constitution and is conducted every 10 years. The 2020 Census counts the population in the United States and five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Each home will receive an invitation to respond to a short questionnaire—online, by phone, or by mail—between March 12-20.

Providing private information about where you live and who you live with can prompt concerns about privacy and safety for survivors of domestic violence. This is especially true for those who’ve left their abuser and are living in a shelter, those who have relocated to a new home and are working to keep their address private, and those who have enrolled in state address confidentiality programs.

We’re happy to announce the release of a new resource crafted for survivors and victim advocates, 2020 US Census: Considerations for Survivors, that provides important information related to the US Census and key safety and privacy considerations for survivors of domestic violence. Please check it out and feel free to reach out to us with any related questions!

Follow the embedded link to read the Census Bureau Statement on Coronavirus and the 2020 Census. Stay up to date on the US Census Bureau’s response to COVID-19 by checking their Newsroom

Recent Survey Confirms Pervasive Stalking Behaviors that Survivors and Advocates have Reported for Years

Advocates and survivors have long reported technology misuse among the behaviors that current or former abusive partners have used to monitor, control, harass, or harm. Norton LifeLock, a member of the Coalition Against Stalkerware (of which the National Network to End Domestic Violence is a founding member) recently announced the findings of their 2019 survey regarding intimate partner cyberstalking, which revealed that “46 percent of Americans admit to ‘stalking’ an ex or current partner online by checking in on them without their knowledge or consent.”

Whether you are in a relationship or not, you always have a right to privacy. In a healthy relationship, all partners should feel safe and comfortable setting boundaries and knowing that those boundaries will be respected. Healthy relationships are built on mutual trust—not monitoring or checking up on a partner. Surveilling or stalking a partner’s devices or communications is an example of one way that an abusive person may try to gain power and control over a current or former partner.

According to the survey results, the most common form of online stalking included checking their ex or current partner’s phone (29 percent) and reviewing search histories (21 percent). “Nearly one in ten people surveyed reported creating a fake profile to check on someone via social media” and 10 percent reported that they used an app to monitor their ex or current partner’s texts, phone calls, direct messages, emails, and photos, with men being 2.5 times more likely than women to do so. These behaviors don’t show trust or respect, and they can create a serious imbalance of power in a relationship.

In looking at perceptions of these behaviors, Norton LifeLock identified generational differences regarding how people felt about the impact of these behaviors. Perhaps surprisingly, “nearly half of Americans ages 18-34 (45 percent) find online stalking behaviors to be harmless (compared to 27 percent of 45-55 year olds, 19 percent of 55-64 year-olds and 13 percent of those 65 and older.” Younger Americans appear to be more forgiving of these abusive behaviors—the media’s portrayal of stalking behaviors has played a role in the normalization of these behaviors—which is concerning for the future of privacy and safety for survivors.  Regardless of perception, these behaviors can be dangerous for victims of domestic and sexual violence. Stalking behaviors, whether online or in-person, can cause survivors stress and trauma and are often being perpetrated along with other types of violence.

Stalking, including cyberstalking, is never okay. If you believe you are being stalked, there are resources that can help. Remember: you are not at fault for what you are experiencing. Here are some tips and strategies if you are being stalked or experiencing technology-facilitated abuse:

1.   Document the behavior: Keep a log of what you are experiencing. Try and identify the who, what when, where, and any technology misused in your log. This will be helpful if you decide you want to seek legal assistance. Learn more about documenting abuse.

2.   Reach out for assistance: If safe to do so, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, a local domestic violence or sexual assault program, or a local law enforcement agency. An advocate can help you safety plan, find local resources, and provide you with support.

3.   Learn about legal remedies: Visit WomensLaw.org to learn about the laws in your state related to stalking and domestic violence and to find helpful legal information and resources.

4.   Be aware of your device usage: If you think that someone is monitoring you or your devices, be careful about what you search and the information you share. Here are some strategies around spyware/stalkerware and understanding stalking.

Do you have other concerns about privacy and safety when using your device? Check out our Survivor Technology Safety & Privacy Toolkit to learn more.