This portion of the series is being provided as a list of ideas and resources to support any person working through the process of leaving an abusive relationship. In particular, we cover three topics: ideas for making money on the side, tips for maintaining data security and privacy, and a list of resources provided by other support groups.

Tech-savvy Privacy Tips

• Use a privacy-focused browser like DuckDuckGo for enhanced privacy, security, and no web history tracking
• Look into free secure email services like ProtonMail which can be used for private communications.
• Using a password bank with password protection like Lastpass, eWallet, or others so you don’t have to worry about saving and/or losing your passwords. These tools also have password generator tools and can store contact information, webpages, and other resources behind a password. Never save passwords in your browser.
• An app called “Parallel Space” allows you to install apps in ‘incognito mode’ and lock them behind a passcode or fingerprint, making them undetectable on your phone without the passcode to get into the app. Comparison: Parallel Space app vs Dual Apps vs Second Space (techpp.com)
• Multiple providers offer free cloud accounts (pCloud, MEGA, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, DropBox, terabox, etc.). If you’re concerned that your partner might access and delete the contents of your account, you can use a service like MultCloud to sync the cloud account to one or more separate accounts you don’t access on your devices. There is a free version for this service, although transfers may be limited. This creates a second backup; you can rinse, repeat, and even share the files with a trusted friend so they can back them up too.
• Use a tool like Authy to centralize Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) permissions and get away from using texts or email for one-time passcodes. Some authentication tools can be password protected and also backed up so if you lose your phone or phone number you can still recover your Authy account and information.
• There are many phone activity spying apps and ways to track your location. If you’re concerned about something like that being on your phone, consider using a different prepaid phone. Alternatively, you can backup your phone information, reset your phone, and then selectively restore your accounts and apps through services like iCloud and Google Drive.

Resources Available to Support You

Reach Out to Loved Ones!

In many abusive relationships, the abuser will isolate their victims to gain complete control. Victims often lose relationships with family, friends, and other loved ones. If this happens to you, you may feel guilty and want to avoid reconnecting. If you are preparing to leave an abusive relationship, start by reconnecting with your loved ones. This is especially important if you know you need a place to stay as soon as you leave. Once you reach your loved ones, ask some of them if you can reach out for help with transportation, a place to stay, or to contact the police. It’s also a good idea to memorize the phone numbers for a couple of emergency contacts in case you lose your phone or don’t have access when you need it.

National domestic violence organizations

• National Domestic Violence Hotline
• Department of Defense Safe Helpline
• Family Violence Prevention Services
• LGBT National Help Center
• Love Is Respect
• National Human Trafficking Hotline
• WomensLaw.org

Assistance with finding shelter

• DomesticShelters.org
• New Hope For Women
• 211
• HUD Exchange
• Transitional Housing Program
• Find shelters in your state

Get help through food assistance programs:

• Feeding America
• Food banks
• National School Lunch Program
• Rural Child Poverty Nutrition Center
• School Breakfast Program
• Seeds of Native Health;
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• Summer Food Service Program
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Suggestions for Gathering More Money

Here are some ideas to get you started. As always, your safety is the top priority!

• Sell some extra belongings for cash, or use a service like Diamond Banc to borrow money using valuable jewelry or watches as collateral
• Check out state unclaimed property searches – sometimes you’ll have a leftover security deposit from a utility company or old bank account with some money in it
• Look for online earning opportunities through doing surveys (Survey Junkie), Fiverr, Upwork, task-rabbit, Care.com, Uber, Grubhub, or other similar services
• Take up a side hustle, such as dog sitting, selling handmade goods, or handling household jobs (this may not be feasible if you’re under close supervision)
• Sign on with affiliate marketing strategies such as legal shield, or other companies with flexible work arrangements (that don’t require you to pay-in first)
• Let your network know you’re looking for work and what kind, whether it’s odd-jobs or a full-time position
• Update your resume, brush up on interviewing skills and apply for remote jobs in advance of leaving
• If your abuser has or might cause issues with your current or future employment, alert your manager and ask for support at work
• 401k loans are often available through your employer’s group retirement plan, if you’re taking part in one
• You can borrow money using your investment accounts as collateral (called a securities-based loan)
• You can change your withholding elections for federal income taxes and redirect some of that income to a separate account or 401k automatically to borrow from later. The same could apply for bonuses or other employee benefits (avoid health insurance if possible). Your human resources department at work should be able to assist you.

Here are some more creative ways to make extra money (credit to the folks at The Penny Hoarder):

• 50 Ways to Make Money That You’ve Never Heard of (thepennyhoarder.com)
• How to Make Money Fast: 35 Best Ways (thepennyhoarder.com)
• The Best 25 Side Hustles to Make Extra Money in 2021 (thepennyhoarder.com)