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Taking Things Out of Context

Someone takes your messages, posts, or content out of context — selectively sharing parts of conversations to make you look bad, or reframing your words to change their meaning.

What You Might Notice

  • People confront you about things you 'said' that feel wrong

    Your words are being shared but the context that gave them meaning is missing.

  • Screenshots of your messages are circulating without the surrounding conversation

    Selective quotes that change the meaning of what you wrote.

What You Can Do

  • Keep complete records of important conversations

    Full conversation exports are harder to take out of context than isolated screenshots.

  • Calmly provide the full context when confronted

    Share the complete conversation if someone approaches you about a misleading excerpt.

  • Be aware of what you put in writing

    Not because you're doing anything wrong, but because anything can be stripped of context.

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.

This framework is under active development. View full limitations & methodology.