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Quick Action Hub
A list of fast, practical actions you can take immediately across safety, evidence, digital, and planning.
quick actions
QUICK ACTION
Quick Action Hub
How to Use This Page
This page collects small, practical actions you can take in a short amount of time. Each shortcut is designed to be used quickly and quietly if needed.
10 “Do This Now” Shortcuts
1. Screenshot and Save Important Messages
- Open recent concerning texts, emails, or messages.
- Take clear screenshots that show dates and names.
- Save them to a secure folder, password-protected app, or cloud storage.
- If safe, back up to a second location (USB, cloud, or trusted person).
2. Note Key Dates and Incidents
- Open a notes app or paper notebook.
- Write today’s date at the top.
- List any recent incidents with:
- Date and approximate time
- Location
- Who was there
- Short description in your own words
- Store the note somewhere that feels safer or less noticeable.
3. Add One Safer Contact Method
- Choose one option:
- Create a new email account
- Use a trusted friend’s phone number as a backup
- Install a secure messaging app
- Write down or save the login details in a safe place.
- Test it by sending yourself a short message.
4. Quietly Prepare a Code Word
- Choose a simple word or phrase that will mean “I need help” to someone you trust.
- Pick a situation where using the word would make sense (e.g., “Can you send me that recipe?”).
- Plan who you might share it with when you have a private moment.
5. Move One Item to a Safe Location
- Choose a small, important item:
- Spare key
- Copy of an ID
- Prepaid card or small cash
- Medication list
- Place it somewhere you can reach quickly but others are unlikely to check.
6. Set Up a Simple Phone Lock
- Open your phone’s security or lock screen settings.
- Turn on a PIN, password, or pattern (avoid birthdays or obvious numbers).
- Turn off lock-screen previews for messages if that feels safer.
7. Choose One Exit Route
- Look around your common space (home or work).
- Identify:
- At least one door you could leave through
- Any stairs or hallways on the way
- Any doors or windows that tend to be locked
- Note where you would go immediately after leaving (for example: a neighbour, shop, or public space).
8. Turn On Automatic Backups (If Safe)
- Open settings for your photos or files.
- Enable backup to a cloud account you can access from another device.
- Check that backups are linked to an email or account you control.
9. Prepare a Short “Cover Story”
- Decide on a neutral explanation you can use if someone asks:
- Why you are on your phone
- Why you are leaving the room
- Why you are contacting someone
- Keep it simple and believable for your situation.
10. Identify One Support Option
- Think of one support option that feels realistic:
- A trusted friend or family member
- A local service or advocate
- An online resource directory, such as listings at DV.Support
- Note their name, website, or number in a place that feels safe for you.
Clickable Mini-Checklists
Mini-Checklist: Quick Room Safety Scan
- [ ] Notice all exits in this room.
- [ ] Notice any items that could block exits.
- [ ] Notice whether your phone or keys are within reach.
- [ ] Decide where you would move if you needed more space.
Mini-Checklist: Fast Documentation
- [ ] Capture 1–3 screenshots of concerning messages or call logs.
- [ ] Save them to a folder with a neutral name.
- [ ] If safe, back them up to cloud or USB.
- [ ] Note the date and a short description in a private note.
Mini-Checklist: Quick Communication Safety
- [ ] Check if messages show on your lock screen.
- [ ] Turn off previews for sensitive apps if needed.
- [ ] Remove any unsafe shared accounts (if you can do so without raising concern).
- [ ] Add one trusted contact as a favourite for faster dialing.
Mini-Checklist: Fast Bag or Pocket Prep
- [ ] Place one ID copy or card in a wallet, pocket, or bag.
- [ ] Add a small amount of cash or a prepaid card, if available.
- [ ] Add a list of 1–3 important phone numbers on paper.
- [ ] Keep the bag or item near an exit where possible.
Emergency Mini-Steps
These are small actions you can take in a very short amount of time if you are concerned about immediate safety. Choose only what fits your situation.
Emergency Mini-Steps: If You Need to Move to a Safer Space
- Look for:
- Rooms with more than one exit
- Spaces away from the kitchen, bathroom, or tools
- Areas where other people may be present
- Keep your phone and keys closer to you if possible.
- Position yourself closer to a door than to the other person when you can.
Emergency Mini-Steps: If You Need to Contact Someone
- Decide who is fastest to reach right now (neighbour, friend, security, staff).
- Prepare a very short message you could send or say (for example: “Can you come here?”).
- If speaking on the phone feels unsafe, consider a short text or message instead if that is safer in your situation.
Emergency Mini-Steps: If You Need to Leave Quickly
- Identify what is closest to you right now:
- Keys
- Phone
- Shoes or outerwear
- Decide on a first safe destination (for example: a busy public place, trusted neighbour, or open business).
- Consider routes that are well lit or where other people are present.
These steps are general options. They may not fit all situations. It can be useful to review them in advance and choose which ones match your space and routines.
Digital Lockdown Steps
These steps focus on quickly reducing how much someone else can see or control on your devices and accounts, when it is safe for you to make changes.
Digital Lockdown: Phone Basics
- Turn on a PIN or password lock that others do not know.
- Turn off message previews on your lock screen.
- Check Bluetooth and nearby sharing; turn them off if not needed.
- Review which apps have access to your location and turn off anything that worries you if safe to do so.
Digital Lockdown: Location and Tracking
- Check whether location sharing is on with:
- Family or “find my phone” apps
- Social media check-ins
- Shared calendars
- Turn off or limit sharing if you can do so without raising concern.
- Check your car, keys, and bags for any tracking devices if that is a concern for you.
Digital Lockdown: Accounts and Passwords
- Start with one important account (for example: email or banking).
- Change the password to something new that:
- Is not reused on other accounts
- Does not use names, birthdays, or obvious details
- Update recovery options (phone number, backup email) to ones you control.
- Review “logged in devices” or “active sessions” and sign out of ones you do not recognize if safe.
Digital Lockdown: Social Media
- Check privacy settings for who can see:
- Your posts
- Your location tags
- Your friends or followers list
- Limit who can tag you or post on your profile.
- Consider turning off “last active” or “read receipts” if available.
Digital Lockdown: Safer Browsing
- Use a private or incognito window for sensitive searches if that feels safer.
- Clear your browser history and recently closed tabs if needed.
- Consider using a different browser or device for sensitive activities.
If you think someone watches your devices closely, changing settings suddenly may draw attention. In that case, you might choose smaller changes over time or use a different device when possible.