Staying safe online

If someone checks your phone or computer, they may see that you have visited this site. These steps can help. If you think your device is being monitored, use a computer at a library, work or a friend’s house.

Use the Quick exit button

It’s on every page of this site. It takes you straight to the BBC weather page. You can also press the Esc key twice.

Browse privately

Use a private or incognito window so pages aren’t saved in your history. In Chrome press Ctrl+Shift+N (Cmd+Shift+N on a Mac); on an iPhone, tap the tabs button and choose Private.

Delete only what you need to

Clearing all your history can look suspicious. Instead, delete just this site from your history in your browser settings.

Check your phone

Look for apps you didn’t install, and check if location sharing is switched on in Find My or Google Maps.

Change passwords safely

Change passwords from a device the abuser can’t access, and turn on two-step verification.

Bright Sky app

A free app with support and a secure journal for recording abuse. Only download it if it is safe for you to do so.

Emergency

999

If you can’t speak on a mobile, stay on the line and press 55 when asked.

24-hour helpline

0808 2000 247

National Domestic Abuse Helpline, free and confidential.

Birmingham

0808 800 0028

Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid, Mon–Fri 9.30am–5pm.

Talk to ODARA

0121 392 9499

Leave a safe number and a safe time, and we’ll call you back.