In a domestic violence situation, a normal phone can be a lifeline. It can also be the device that tracks, records and exposes you.
Tech-facilitated abuse is now part of most family and domestic violence work in Australia. That includes location tracking, a hidden tracking app, a shared cloud account, image-based abuse, and someone reading messages. eSafety cites a 2020 WESNET survey of 442 practitioners that found 99.3% had clients who had experienced technology-facilitated abuse. eSafety’s research found tech-related harm to children in 27% of domestic and family violence cases. In those cases the ordinary phone was the device most often used, in 79% of them.
A DV safe phone can reduce that footprint. It is not a safety plan. If you are in danger now, call 000. For support, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Quick answer
A normal Apple, Google or Samsung phone shares location, backups and app activity in the background. A shared account can expose messages even when the settings look private.
A DV safe phone, as we configure it, is a new Australian Pixel with GrapheneOS. Google’s tracking is removed. Profiles are separate. The camera, mic, location and sensors can be switched off.
It helps you stay connected with less to exploit.
It does not replace 1800RESPECT, a refuge, a lawyer, or an intervention order.
Why a normal phone is a risk
A normal phone is built to stay connected. In an abusive relationship that design works against you.
Location can be shared through the OS, Find My, Google Maps history, or a family account.
Photos and messages can sit in an iCloud or Google backup the other person can open.
Messages can be read on a shared tablet, or through a login that is still active.
Children can be the route: a school app, a tablet, a game account.
Turning off location in Settings closes one path. It does not remove the account, the backup, or the operating system.
What a DV safe phone changes
Operating System
The operating system is the foundation. GrapheneOS on a new Pixel is the combination we use.
No built-in Google tracking.
App isolation and support for multiple isolated profiles (up to 32).
Verified Boot checks the phone has not been tampered with on startup.
The microphone, camera and location can be switched off without a second phone.
App permission controls.
A duress PIN can instantly wipe sensitive data in emergencies.
The hardware is a new Australian Pixel, because that is what GrapheneOS supports, with a secure chip and a two-year warranty. We do not use refurbished phones or grey imports.
Safety & discretion features
A well-configured DV safe phone should include:
Hardware kill switches or easy toggles for mic, camera, location, sensors, and network
No-log VPN support (such as Proton VPN)
Anonymous browsing options (Tor)
Encrypted messaging and self-deleting message capabilities
Tracker detection tools (to spot hidden AirTags or similar devices)
Metadata removal tools for photos and files before sharing
Empowerment tools
Privacy Phones also safety features configured in our hardening process. These can include:
Geofencing alerts to set safe zones that notify you or trusted contacts if crossed
Bluetooth tracker detection to scan for hidden tracking devices
Options for location spoofing when needed
Secure, anonymous file sharing for evidence or documents
An integrated encrypted ecosystem (secure email, VPN and storage) so everything stays protected even if the device is compromised
Everything is set up so it works reliably from day one, with clear documentation and the option of ongoing support with our Pros.
What to sort before the phone
Do this with a support worker if you can. Do not do it on a device the other person can see.
Assume the current phone, tablet and car may already be monitored.
Use a safe device, or a service phone, for the first calls.
Check who is on the Apple, Google and Samsung accounts. Family sharing are a common leak.
Move evidence somewhere the other person cannot delete. A support service or a lawyer can advise what to keep. Do not confront someone with what you found.
Ask a worker or a trusted person to help check a bag, the car or the pram for a tracking tag.
Keep 1800RESPECT, a local service, and at least one trusted person in the plan. The phone sits inside that plan.
Support in Australia
A DV safe phone works best alongside professional support:
000 if you are in immediate danger
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732, 24 hours, domestic and family violence counselling
13 YARN: 13 92 76, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
eSafety: tech-abuse resources, and a support line for frontline workers
A local family violence service or refuge.
A local family violence service or refuge can lead the plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a DV safe phone?
A phone set up so location, backups and apps are harder to use against you. In our case that is a new Pixel, deGoogled with GrapheneOS, configured before it ships, separate profiles and sensor controls.
Will it stop someone tracking me?
It reduces what a stock phone sends, and it separates accounts. It does not stop a SIM in your name, a tracker in the car, or a person who already has the passcode.
Is a privacy phone legal?
Yes, for lawful use. Identity checks still apply if you want a normal carrier number.
Can I set this up myself?
You can install GrapheneOS. In a high-risk situation, a rushed setup on a phone the other person can see is the risk. A prepared device, and a worker who knows the plan, is safer.
What if children are being monitored?
eSafety found tech harm to children in 27% of domestic and family violence cases, most often through an ordinary phone. School apps, tablets and shared accounts need the same review. A worker should lead that, not a settings list.
Final thoughts
Technology should never be a tool used against you.
A DV safe phone can reduce what is available to exploit. It does not replace 1800RESPECT, a refuge, a lawyer, or an intervention order. The phone sits inside a safety plan. It is not the plan.
