Email Safety: Protect Your Communications

Email Safety: Your email account is the key to your entire digital life. If your abuser has access to your email, they can reset passwords, read your messages, and find out everything you’re planning. ..

Your email account is the key to your entire digital life.

If your abuser has access to your email, they can reset passwords, read your messages, and find out everything you're planning. They can find evidence of your research, your legal contacts, and your steps toward freedom.

This guide will show you how to secure your email and keep your communications private.

THE THREAT:
WHAT YOUR ABUSER MIGHT BE LOOKING FOR

If they have access to your email, they could be checking:

Who you've been contacting (lawyers, shelters, friends)
What you've been researching (abuse, rights, options)
What you've been storing (evidence, documents, photos)
What you've been planning (exit strategies, appointments)
What accounts you've created (new email, new services)

Email is often the weakest link. A password that's too easy to guess. A saved password in the browser. A shared computer. Any of these can give them access.

YOUR OPTIONS:
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

You have a few choices. Pick the one that works best for your situation.

Option 1: Create a New, Secret Email Account
This is the most secure option. Create an account your abuser doesn't know about and use it only for abuse-related communication. Never access it on a shared device.

Option 2: Use a Secure Email Service
Use a service with strong encryption, like Proton Mail. This ensures that even if someone intercepts your emails, they can't read them.

Option 3: Change Your Password
If you can't create a new email account, at least change your password to something she won't guess. And never save it in the browser.

Option 4: Use Two-Factor Authentication
Enable two-factor authentication on your email accounts. This means even if they have your password, they can't access your account without your phone.

HOW TO SET IT UP

Step 1: Create Your Proton Mail Account

Proton Mail is a free, encrypted email service. It's secure by default, easy to use, and based in Switzerland (strong privacy laws).

Go to proton.me
Click "Create Account"
Choose the "Free" plan
Create a username and password she wouldn't guess
Use a recovery email she doesn't have access to, or skip it
Remember your password. Don't save it on the computer.

Important: When choosing your password, don't use anything related to your life -your name, kids' names, birthdays, or pets. Use something completely random.

Step 2: Set Up Your Inbox

Once your account is created, you can start using it for abuse-related communication.

What to use it for:

Emailing lawyers or advocates
Storing evidence (upload to Proton Drive)
Reading articles and resources
Communicating with support networks
Documenting abuse incidents
Singing up for a Brotherhood Institute account

What NOT to use it for:

Anything that would identify you to the abuser
Anything that could be traced back to you
Anything you wouldn't want her to find

Step 3: Use Proton Drive for Storage

Proton Drive is integrated with your Proton Mail account. You can access it from the same login.

How to upload files:

Log into your Proton account
Click on "Drive" in the top menu
Click "New" and upload files
Store evidence, screenshots, documents, and photos here

What to store:

Photos of injuries
Screenshots of threatening texts
Audio recordings (if safe to make)
A log of incidents (dates, times, details)
Documents (protective orders, court documents)

This is your digital vault. Keep it secure.

Step 4: Set Strong Passwords

Use a Strong Password

At least 12 characters
Mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
Don't use personal information
Use a password generator if you need to

Don't Save Your Password
Never save your Proton password in the browser or on your phone's password manager if she has access to either.

Change Your Password Periodically
If you're concerned your abuser might be trying to access your account, change your password regularly.

Extra Tips for Email Safety

Use Different Email for Recovery
When creating your Proton account, don't use an email they have access to for recovery. If possible, don't set a recovery email at all. Memorize your password instead.

Never Access on Shared Devices
This is the most important rule. If they have access to the device, don't access your secret account. Use a private browser, use your phone, or use a friend's device.

Log Out After Every Session
Always log out of your Proton account when you're done. Don't leave it open where they can find it.

Clear Browser History
If you do access your account on a shared device, clear the browser history immediately after. Use Private Browsing mode for extra safety.

Check for Suspicious Activity
If you have a regular email account they knows about, check it periodically for suspicious login attempts. Change your password if you see anything unusual.

What to do if your abuser finds your email account

If they discover your secret email account, prioritize your safety immediately. Plan where you can go, who you can call, and what you'll do if you need to leave quickly. Your safety comes first.

Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only. No security measure is 100% effective. The safest way to protect your information is to use a device she cannot access. If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services.