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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations being tracked by partner • suspected location tracking • tracker in car or bag • airtag tracker concern • unknown bluetooth tracker alert • phone monitored by someone • stalkerware worry • spyware on my phone • coerced sex control tactics • sexual coercion and monitoring • controlling where i go • someone knows my location • hidden tracking device • find my location sharing • google location sharing abuse • icloud account being watched • shared passwords used to track • domestic abuse tech abuse • stalking with tracking devices • unsafe to change passwords

What to do if…
you suspect someone has installed a tracker or access to monitor where you go to control you sexually

Short answer

Treat this as a safety issue first: get to a safer place and use a device/account they cannot access to contact specialist support. Avoid confronting the person or making sudden device changes that could escalate risk.

Do not do these things

  • Do not confront them about tracking, “prove it”, or threaten to report them while you’re still in their reach.
  • Do not do a factory reset, mass password changes, or delete apps/logs if there’s any chance they’ll notice immediately and retaliate.
  • Do not accept “help” from them to “check your phone” or “fix settings”.
  • Do not rely on a device you think may be monitored to plan safety steps or contact support.
  • Do not go alone to a private place to search for a tracker if you feel unsafe or pressured.

What to do now

  1. Get to a safer pause. If you’re with them or feel watched, move to a public place or to someone you trust. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
  2. Switch to safer communications. Use a friend’s phone, a work device, or a library computer. If you must use your phone, consider using mobile data instead of shared Wi-Fi and keep messages neutral until you’re safe.
  3. Talk to specialist support (confidential, no pressure to report). Options include:
    • Rape Crisis England & Wales 24/7 Support Line: 0808 500 2222 (or online chat).
    • National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge): 0808 2000 247 (24/7) for safety planning, including tech-abuse concerns.
    • National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300 for stalking/harassment advice and options.
  4. If reporting feels right, choose the safest route. If it’s not an emergency, call 101 (or contact your local force online). You can also get confidential support first and decide later.
  5. Reduce the most dangerous leak: live location sharing. From a safe device/account (not the one you suspect is monitored), check whether your location is being shared via:
    • Apple/Google location sharing features,
    • Social apps with live location,
    • Shared calendars or “family” accounts. If you find sharing enabled, don’t rush to switch it off if that could trigger escalation—note what you find and decide with a specialist how to change it safely.
  6. Create a “clean” contact route. If you can do so safely, set up a new email address and a new PIN/passcode on a device they have never handled, and use that only for getting help (support services, GP, housing, benefits, legal advice).
  7. If you suspect a physical tracker (bag/car/clothing): get help to check safely. Ask a trusted person to help you look, or go somewhere with staff/CCTV (a busy shop, transport hub). If you find something, prioritise your safety—an advocate can help you think through next steps.
  8. Write down what’s happening (briefly). On paper or on a safe device, note dates/times and what made you suspect tracking (e.g., they show up unexpectedly, comments about your movements, sexual pressure linked to where you’ve been). This is for you and any support worker—no need to make it perfect.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now whether to report to police, leave the relationship, or confront them.
  • You do not need to “solve the tech” tonight; safe planning with the right support is more important than quick fixes.
  • You do not need to gather proof before you ask for help.

Important reassurance

If someone is using monitoring or tracking to sexually control you, your unease makes sense. Feeling confused, hyper-alert, or unsure what is “real” is a common reaction to coercive control and tech abuse. You deserve support that puts your safety and choices first.

Scope note

These are first steps only—focused on immediate safety and reducing harm. More detailed tech checks, reporting routes, and longer-term safety planning are best done with specialist support because sudden changes can sometimes increase risk.

Important note

This is general information, not legal or medical advice. If you are in immediate danger call 999. If you want medical care, support, or to discuss options confidentially, specialist services (including SARCs and sexual violence support lines) can help you without pressure to report.

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