Protective Group

A holiday should feel like a chance to rest, not another source of worry. But for some people, especially those experiencing domestic violence, travel can create new privacy and safety risks that are easy to overlook.

One simple but important step is to make sure you sign out of YouTube, streaming apps, Google accounts and any other personal accounts on hotel, Airbnb or shared smart TVs before you leave.

If you stay signed in, the next person may be able to see your account name, viewing history, saved profiles, linked devices or even cast content from your phone.
In some situations, this can reveal personal information, routines or locations.

Protective Group recommend while you are away:
• sign out of smart TVs, tablets, speakers and shared computers before checkout
• avoid saving passwords on holiday accommodation devices
• check that your phone, photos and apps are not sharing your location unnecessarily
• be careful when posting in real time, as holiday photos and stories can reveal where you are staying
• review Bluetooth connections, AirDrop settings and device sharing settings in case your device is visible to others nearby
• use a strong phone passcode and turn on multi-factor authentication for key accounts
• be mindful of hire cars, smart home devices or accommodation apps that may collect location or access information
• where possible, use your own charger and charging cable rather than public charging stations

Safety is often about the little things. Before you leave your accommodation, it can help to do one last check: sign out, disconnect, review settings, and take your privacy with you.

Visit protectivegroup.com.au/safety-tips/ for more safety tips.

If you are concerned about yourself, family member or friend please call:
Australia: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for support services or if in danger now call 000.
New Zealand: 0800 733 843 or if in danger now call 111.

During school holidays a victim of violence may work from home.

A perpetrator may monitor calls, overhear meetings, check devices, control movement, or use the home environment to intimidate and isolate. In this situation safety must always come before productivity.

This is why it is so important for workplaces to understand that domestic violence can affect employees even during the workday, including while working remotely. Supportive employers can make a meaningful difference by responding with care, protecting privacy, and helping put practical safety measures in place.

For victim-survivors, a simple and personalised workplace safety plan can help create more structure, support, and safer options.

Protective Group suggest a safety plan for someone working from home include:
• one trusted workplace contact
• a safe phone number or email to use
• agreed check-in times during the day
• a plan for what to do if a call or meeting becomes unsafe
• an alternative work location if home is no longer safe
• access to family and domestic violence leave if needed
• a code word or phrase to discreetly signal urgent help
• guidance on what not to leave visible in the workspace, such as documents, diaries or support information

Every situation is different and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. What matters most is that the person feels heard, supported and safe and that any plan is tailored to their individual circumstances and level of risk.

Sometimes small practical steps, combined with a compassionate workplace response can make a very big difference.

Visit protectivegroup.com.au/safety-tips/ for more safety tips.

If you are concerned about yourself, family member or friend please call:
Australia: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for support services or if in danger now call 000.
New Zealand: 0800 733 843 or if in danger now call 111.

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When people are travelling, it is very common to connect to hotel Wi-Fi, airport internet, café networks, accommodation smart TVs, or shared computers in reception areas and business centres.

But for victim-survivors, these everyday moments can create extra privacy and safety risks.

Public Wi-Fi networks are often convenient, but they are not always private. Shared devices may also save browser history, login details, autofill information, account sessions or recent activity without the user realising it. Even something as simple as opening an email account on a shared computer, logging into a travel app on a hotel tablet, or forgetting to sign out of a browser can leave behind information that reveals more than expected.

This may include personal emails, saved addresses, booking confirmations, travel dates, recent searches, account recovery details, contact information, or clues about where someone is staying and where they may be going next.

Protective Group recommend:
• avoid logging into sensitive accounts on shared computers where possible
• use your own device rather than public devices for email, banking and important accounts
• sign out fully after using websites or apps, especially on accommodation or public devices
• avoid saving passwords in browsers on devices that are not your own
• be cautious when using public Wi-Fi for sensitive logins or personal communications
• use multi-factor authentication on important accounts
• check your recent account activity if you are worried an account has been accessed

For many victim-survivors, holiday safety is not only about physical surroundings. It is also about protecting personal information, account access and privacy while away from home.

Visit protectivegroup.com.au/safety-tips/ for more safety tips.

If you are concerned about yourself, family member or friend please call:
Australia: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for support services or if in danger now call 000.
New Zealand: 0800 733 843 or if in danger now call 111.