Technology for Good

Websites, Apps, and Programs for Survivors of Domestic Abuse

Technology can be misused by perpetrators of family violence to gain access to and control over their victims (for example monitoring a person’s movements or communications). Technological abuse covers a wide range of behaviors (from monitoring text messages to using tracking devices), and is partially influenced by someone’s understanding and use of technology. In our last blog post, we discussed Technology-Facilitated Safety Planning Tips. Now, we are sharing how technology can be used to help people in Alberta experiencing family violence.

The following list contains 9 different websites, apps and programs that are useful for those experiencing or leaving family violence situations.

Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters Directory

You can use the ACWS Shelters Directory to search for emergency and second-stage shelters in Alberta.

Cybersecurity Guide

In this guide, Hack Blossom walks you through common areas of digital life such as web browsing, private data, and smartphones to show you different ways that you can implement as much or little security as you’re comfortable with.

DocuSafe

DocuSAFE is a free app developed by The National Network to End Domestic Violence that helps survivors collect, store, and share evidence of abuse, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, online harassment, and dating violence.

Flourish by John Howard

Flourish is an information and resource app developed by The Edmonton John Howard Society for survivors of domestic violence, with special focus on resources and legal information pertaining to Edmonton, Alberta.

Lives on the Line

The Today Centre’s Lives on the Line Program provides a cellphone and a month of Chatr talk/text minutes to victims of family violence. Having access to a safe phone is essential in connecting with both formal and informal supports. Due to fluctuating supply and demand, we ask that referral for Lives on the Line phones come from service providers at this time.

myPlan App

myPlan is a tool developed by The John Hopkins School of Nursing that survivors of intimate partner violence can use to help them make decisions about safety. It is accessible through a discreet and confidential smartphone app (or web-based tool).

Tech Crime Tips

The Edmonton Police Service has tips to protect yourself against technology-facilitated crimes including Ransomware, Two-Factor Authentication, and Facebook Security.

The Today Booklet

The Today Booklet was developed by The Today Centre for individuals facing family violence to get more information to understand family violence, to learn about supports available, and how to get help.

Undaunted

Undaunted is a secure website for people experiencing violence to store information and evidence they may want to report to the police in the future.