us 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 violence 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

Focus on safety first: get to a safer place and contact confidential sexual violence or domestic violence support using a device/account they cannot access. Avoid confronting them or making sudden tech changes that could escalate the situation.

Do not do these things

Do not confront them, accuse them, or try to “catch them” while you’re still within their reach.
Do not immediately factory reset your phone or change all passwords if that could alert them and increase danger.
Do not let them “check your phone,” “help you change settings,” or pressure you to share accounts.
Do not plan safety steps using a device you suspect is being monitored.
Do not search for a physical tracker alone in an isolated place if you feel unsafe.

What to do now

Get to a safer pause. If you feel in danger right now, call 911. If you can, move to a public place or to someone you trust.
Use safer communications. Use a friend’s phone, a work device, or a public computer to look up resources and contact help. Keep messages neutral until you’re safe.
Contact confidential specialist support (you control what happens next).
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673) and online chat.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) (call/chat/text options) for safety planning, including technology-related abuse.
Get technology-safety support that’s designed for survivors. The NNEDV Safety Net Project (TechSafety) focuses on technology safety and privacy for survivors. An advocate can help you decide what changes are safest before you toggle settings or reset devices.
Reduce the most dangerous leak: live location sharing. From a safe device/account, check if your location is being shared through phone settings or apps (location sharing, “family” features, social apps). If you find it turned on, pause before changing it if they might notice quickly—write down what you find and decide with an advocate how to change it safely.
Create a “clean” contact route. If safe, set up a new email address and a new passcode on a device they have never handled. Use that for help-seeking only (advocates, healthcare, housing, legal advice).
If you suspect a physical tracker (car/bag/coat): ask for help to check safely. Have a trusted person help you look. If you find something, prioritise your safety—consider law enforcement only if you feel safe doing so, and remember an advocate can help you think through risks and options.
Write down a brief log (for you). On paper or a safe device, note what happened and why you suspect tracking—especially any link to sexual pressure, threats, or coercion. This can help you explain the situation to an advocate without having to remember everything under stress.

What can wait

You do not need to decide right now whether to report to police, end the relationship, or confront them.
You do not need to “fix the tech” immediately; careful steps with an advocate are often safer than fast changes.
You do not need proof before you seek support.

Important reassurance

If someone is using monitoring or tracking to sexually control you, it’s understandable to feel panicked, unsure, or constantly on edge. You’re not overreacting by taking this seriously, and you deserve support that respects your choices and pace.

Scope note

These are first steps only—focused on immediate safety and harm prevention. More detailed device checks, account changes, and reporting decisions 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 911. If you want confidential support, a sexual assault hotline or local advocacy program can help you explore options without pressure to report.

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