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Learn more about staying safe online
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Even if the monitoring claims are exaggerated or false, the fear they create is real. Reach out for help through a channel you believe is safe.
Making You Afraid to Communicate
Someone tells you they're monitoring everything you say and do online — creating a chilling effect where you're afraid to reach out for help, talk to friends, or communicate freely.
What You Might Notice
The other person explicitly tells you they can see everything
Statements like 'I know everything you do' or 'I can read all your messages'.
You self-censor everything because you assume you're watched
Fear of surveillance prevents you from seeking help.
The other person demonstrates knowledge that seems to prove monitoring
They may have some access, but use it to imply total surveillance.
What You Can Do
Understand that total monitoring is very difficult
Most people can't actually see everything. The claim is often bigger than the reality.
Find one safe way to communicate
Even one unmonitored channel — a friend's phone, an in-person conversation — is enough to start getting help.
Contact 1800RESPECT from a safe phone
They can help you assess how much monitoring is actually happening and make a safety plan.
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.
Deliberately telling victim that all their communications are being monitored to create a chilling effect of self-censorship. Victim becomes afraid to reach out for help, discuss the abuse, or communicate honestly, effectively isolating themselves out of fear. May be truthful or bluffed.
Monitoring Assumption Planning Use separate safe device for sensitive communications if monitoring disclosed.
SAFE-M-0128
Monitoring Capability Verification Have professional assess actual monitoring capability to calibrate response.
Detection Indicators
ID
Detection Indicator
SAFE-D-0115
Explicit Monitoring Claims Adversary states they can monitor communications, either as threat or demonstrated through knowledge.
SAFE-D-0116
Self-Censorship Behaviour Target stops seeking help or being honest in communications due to monitoring fear.
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.