Glossary

This glossary explains terms and phrases used throughout this app. These are not legal definitions and users should look to their state-specific laws and statutes or speak to a local attorney, law enforcement, or advocate if there are further questions. These definitions are solely a resource to help you navigate this app.

Documentation or Evidence

For the purposes of this app, this is defined as any content that shows abusive, threatening, harmful, or problematic behaviors directed towards you or others. This app provides a place to collect items as proof of such behaviors. This app also provides the opportunity for you to share these items with others to show what has been happening or for legal purposes. What will be considered admissible “evidence” in a court of law will depend on the jurisdiction and the laws of your state. We encourage any user to speak with a local attorney and/or victim advocate if choosing to seek legal assistance.

Uncompromised Device

A device that has not been tampered with or is not being monitored by the abusive person. Preferably, a device that the abusive person has not had physical access to.

Strong Password

A password that is unique and unfamiliar to others, not a word in the dictionary, and preferably contains a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. It should be something that you will remember, but that no one else could know or guess.

Device Safety

Refers to the important activity of increasing the security of our personal devices so that we enhance our privacy and minimize their vulnerability to misuse. Our devices, such as phones, computers, tablets, and gaming systems collect, store, and share (potentially) a wealth of personal information. Abusers may try to monitor, limit access to, or break these devices as a way to control, surveil, limit the user’s activity, or gather information without consent.

Screenshots

A picture of something being displayed in real-time on the screen of your device. This could be of an image, an email message, a text or other type of instant message, or the content on a website. See our video on how to take a screenshot on your device or Google “How to take a screenshot on…” and type the type of device you have.

Screencast

A screencast is a digital recording of computer screen output, also known as a video screen capture, often containing audio narration.

Social Media

Online, user-generated content, including a wide range of websites and applications that can be accessible from computers, smart phones, and tablets. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are three of the most popular social media platforms, although there are many more.

Native App

The messaging service(s) your phone came with (iMessages, Text Messages, and Voicemail).