Tor for Domestic Violence Survivors: Digital Safety and Privacy Protection

Abusive partners use several digital surveillance methods. Stalkerware: commercial monitoring apps (FlexiSpy, mSpy, Cerberus) secretly installed on phones, logging calls, texts, location, and app usage. Account sharing monitoring: access to shared accounts (Google Family, iCloud Family Sharing, phone carrier accounts) provides call records, location history, and browsing history. Keyloggers on shared computers: software logging everything typed. Browser history access on shared devices: abusers directly reviewing browsing and search history. Social media monitoring: tracking followers, messages, and activity on social platforms. Network-level monitoring: home router-level DNS logging showing every website visited. Understanding which of these apply to your situation shapes which privacy tools are most important. Tor specifically addresses: browser history privacy (Tor Browser leaves no browsing history), network-level monitoring (home router DNS shows only Tor traffic, not destinations), and account correlation (Tor Browser sessions are not linked to logged-in accounts on other devices).

Survivors researching domestic violence resources, legal options, shelter locations, and safety planning information face the risk that browsing history is monitored. Tor Browser does not save browsing history to the device. All traffic is encrypted and routed through Tor, preventing home network DNS logging from revealing the sites visited. Use Tor Browser on a device not belonging to the abusive partner (library computer, trusted friend's device, or a second device the abusive partner does not have access to). Most domestic violence organization websites are accessible via standard Tor exit relays - specialized .onion access is not necessary for resource research. Important: after using Tor Browser on a shared computer, close Tor Browser completely (it deletes all session data) and ensure no shortcuts or recent file lists reveal its use.

Communicating with domestic violence advocates, lawyers, shelter coordinators, and support services from a monitored device or network creates risk. Options for private communication: (1) Call from a non-monitored phone (library phone, friend's phone) - the safest method for voice communication. (2) Email from a new account created via Tor Browser on a private device - use ProtonMail or a new Gmail account created from Tor, accessed only from Tor Browser. (3) Signal messenger on a device not under surveillance - Signal must be installed on a device the abuser does not have access to. (4) National domestic violence hotlines (US: 1-800-799-7233) are designed for confidential contact and do not appear in phone carrier logs as a specialized number (appears as a regular call). Most hotlines have online chat options accessible via Tor Browser for text-based communication.

Rebuilding digital privacy after leaving an abusive relationship involves separating all accounts from shared infrastructure. Comprehensive checklist: (1) Create new email accounts (ProtonMail or new Gmail) from a new device not previously used by the abuser. (2) Change passwords for all important accounts (banking, email, social media) from the new device. (3) Revoke access from all shared family monitoring services (Google Family, Find My Friends, carrier family accounts). (4) Check for stalkerware on your primary device - National Domestic Violence Hotline's Safety Planning has specific guidance on checking for and removing stalkerware. (5) New phone: if stalkerware was installed, a factory reset may not remove all tracking software. A new phone is the safest option. (6) Create a dedicated email address for shelter and legal communications, accessed only via Tor Browser from a safe device.

Using privacy tools as a survivor requires additional safety planning beyond standard privacy advice. Critical rules: never use Tor on a device or network that is monitored by the abuser - the presence of Tor Browser itself may trigger confrontation if discovered. Delete Tor Browser shortcuts and recent application lists after use on shared devices. Be aware that clearing browser history on a device that normally has browser history may itself raise suspicion (leave some innocuous history while clearing sensitive items). Access resources from outside the home network (library, community center, trusted friend's home) when possible. The National Network to End Domestic Violence's Safety Net project (nnedv.org/safetynet) provides technology safety resources specifically for survivors and the advocates who support them.