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If your communications are being intercepted, the other person can see your safety planning. Use a different device or in-person conversations for sensitive discussions.
Reading Your Messages & Emails
Someone intercepts and reads your private messages, emails, or calls — either by accessing your accounts directly or by using software that copies your communications.
What You Might Notice
Messages show as 'read' before you've opened them
Someone else may be accessing your messaging accounts.
The other person responds to things said in private conversations
They reference details from messages or calls you had with other people.
Email forwarding rules you didn't set up
Check your email settings for auto-forwarding to unknown addresses.
Unfamiliar devices in your account's active sessions
Most email and messaging services show which devices are currently logged in.
What You Can Do
Check active sessions on all your accounts
Gmail: Security > Your devices. Facebook: Settings > Security > Where you're logged in. Do this for all platforms.
Check for email forwarding rules
In Gmail: Settings > Forwarding. In Outlook: Settings > Mail > Forwarding. Remove anything you didn't set up.
Use end-to-end encrypted messaging for sensitive conversations
Apps like Signal encrypt messages so only you and the recipient can read them.
Only useful if your device itself isn't compromised.
Change passwords from a safe device
Use a device the other person hasn't had access to.
A trusted friend's phone or a library computer can work.
Important: This resource provides general information, not personal advice. Every situation is different. The actions suggested here may not be safe in your specific circumstances — particularly if the person causing harm could notice changes to your devices or accounts. Always consider your physical safety first.
If you need personalised support, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or your local specialist domestic violence service. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Accessing victim's emails, text messages, voicemails, and other communications through compromised accounts, email forwarding rules, message mirroring, or linked devices. Perpetrator reads, copies, or monitors communications without victim's knowledge, gaining intelligence about victim's plans, support network, and emotional state.
Read Receipt Anomalies Messages marked as read before target has viewed them. Account shows online status during non-use periods.
SAFE-D-0017
Unauthorised Forwarding Rules Email settings contain forwarding rules to unknown addresses or filters moving messages automatically.
SAFE-D-0018
Unknown Linked Devices Messaging app settings show unrecognised devices with active sessions.
SAFE-D-0019
Communication Content Knowledge Adversary quotes or references private message content.
The TFA Matrix is a research framework under active development. Technique classifications, detection methods, and mitigations reflect current understanding and are subject to revision. This framework does not constitute forensic methodology, legal evidence standards, or clinical diagnostic criteria. Practitioners should apply professional judgement appropriate to their discipline and jurisdiction.