communication

Phone Call Safety

Low-profile phone call techniques to avoid drawing attention.

communicationphone safety

Safety Tools

Before Making or Answering Calls

Options to review before you start a call.

Check who is nearby and whether they can hear both sides of the call.
Decide where you will stand or sit so you can end the call quickly if needed.
Lower the ringtone and notification volume if loud alerts cause attention.
Turn off speakerphone by default so others cannot easily overhear.
Confirm the battery level so the phone does not die at a critical moment.
Review your phone’s recent calls list and delete any numbers that could raise questions.
Turn off Bluetooth if it could connect to a car or home speaker unexpectedly.

Ways to choose safer times for calls.

Note patterns of when the person who worries you is usually:
- Out of the home
- Busy in another room
- Asleep or occupied
Schedule non-urgent calls during those lower-attention times.
Limit call length to a set time (for example, 5–10 minutes) if long calls cause questions.
Plan calls to overlap with ordinary activities (for example, “while doing laundry” or “on a walk”).
Build in a buffer so you can safely end the call before the other person usually returns.
Avoid calling right after arguments or tense conversations, when monitoring may be higher.

Options for using headphones or earbuds to reduce attention and sound leakage.

Use wired or wireless earbuds instead of speakerphone whenever possible.
Keep a pair of low-profile or skin-tone earbuds for calls you want to keep private.
Test the microphone and volume in advance so you do not need to adjust them during a sensitive call.
Use one earbud instead of two if you need to stay aware of movement around you.
Store headphones in a familiar place (for example, bag, pocket, desk) so using them looks routine.
If questioned, refer to headphone calls as:
- “Work calls”
- “Customer service”
- “Listening to a podcast”

Possible explanations to use if someone asks about a call.

Decide in advance how you will describe:
- Who you are talking to
- Why you are calling
- How long the call should take
Use everyday reasons that fit your normal routine, such as:
- “That was the pharmacy.”
- “I was calling about a delivery.”
- “Work asked me to follow up on something.”
- “I was checking on a bill or account.”
Save neutral contact names in your phone (for example, “Clinic,” “Office,” “School”) if that is allowed where you live.
Ask trusted people not to use sensitive words in voicemail or text if they need to explain who they are.
Plan one or two short, consistent explanations so you do not need to improvise under pressure.

Options for ending a call fast if you feel watched or questioned.

Agree on a “stop now” word or phrase with the person you are calling, such as:
- “I have to stir the food.”
- “The signal is bad, I’ll call back.”
- “Someone’s at the door.”
Practice pressing the power or lock button quickly to:
- End the call
- Turn off the screen
Keep the phone in your hand or pocket so you can end the call without looking at the screen.
Switch to a neutral topic immediately if someone comes close before you can hang up.
Use standard reasons for ending a call, for example:
- “My battery is low, I’ll text later.”
- “I need to check on something, I’ll call you back.”
Consider turning down call volume so others cannot tell the call has ended and ask questions.

Ideas to lower attention if your calls are monitored or checked.

Keep a pattern of ordinary calls (family, work, services) so your call history looks familiar.
Review recent calls and delete sensitive entries only if that would not look unusual.
Use predictable times and similar reasons for regular calls to avoid standing out.
Consider using text or chat instead of calls if spoken conversations draw questions, and it is safe for you to do so.
If you use another device or number, plan how you would explain it or where you would store it.

Additional tools, including options for technology safety and outside support services, are listed at DV.Support.

Steps to take when a call may involve legal, housing, financial, or safety planning information.

Write down key questions so the call can be shorter and more focused.
Choose a location with:
- Stable reception
- Some background noise (outside, park, walking) if that feels safer
- An easy exit route if you need to move away quickly
Have a pen and paper or a notes app ready for important details.
Let the other person know in advance (if possible) that you may need to hang up suddenly.
Plan a follow-up method (text, email, online portal) if the call ends before you finish.

Actions you can consider once a call ends.