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FAQs

Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about our services, how referrals work, and how to get the help. Our goal is to make it easier to navigate the support available, so you can take steps toward safety and control at your own pace.

How can a survivor access Tech Safe BC support?

Tech Safe BC is a pilot project for adults (19+) in BC who are experiencing intimate partner violence and believe their current or former partner is misusing technology to facilitate abuse.

Survivors must be referred by a support worker from a BCSTH member program. Click here to find a program in your community.

What tech abuse can Tech Safe BC help with?
  • We can support survivors with:
  • Location tracking
  • Securing devices and accounts
  • Spyware or stalkerware
  • Email protection
  • Online harassment (social media, messaging apps)
  • Referrals to other relevant tech safety supports

Note: We cannot help with general tech problems or online abuse not related to intimate partner violence.

What happens after a referral?

The Tech Safe BC team will review the referral and may follow up for more details. If the referral is within the project scope, the team will send appointment times to the referring support worker for the survivor and support worker to attend.

Are there risks to meeting with Tech Safe BC?

Yes, there can be risks, such as:

  • A partner noticing changes to devices or accounts.
  • Someone monitoring that the survivor attended an appointment.

Tech safe BC shares safety options and lets the survivor decide what changes to make. Simultaneous safety planning with the support worker is recommended.

How to prepare for a virtual appointment
  • Provide a private space and secure device.
  • Ensure stable internet connection for Zoom.
  • Stay with the survivor and help with safety planning.
How to prepare for an in-person appointment.
  • Survivors should bring phones/tablets/devices that may be compromised.
  • The support worker must attend and keep the office address confidential.
  • Children can attend as there is a small play nook available in the same room but the conversations most likely will be overheard.
What happens in an appointment?

The survivor, support worker, and Tech Safe BC team will:

  • Review the concerns
  • Make a plan to address safety concerns
  • Appointments can last up to 2 hours
  • Follow-ups can be scheduled if needed
Can Tech Safe BC help gather evidence and provide legal advice?

The Tech Safe BC team are not lawyers and cannot provide legal advice. We can share legal education information as to ways to save and possibly use digital evidence. For more guidance, see the Legal Resources Section.