Screening and assessment apps are meant to help users determine if they are being abused or their level of danger due to a partners' violence. While having this information available in an app can be helpful, these apps have limitations and users should consider their own safety and privacy needs. The following are some considerations to think about before using any screening or assessment apps. 

1. CONSIDER YOUR SAFETY:

  • If you think that the abusive person could be monitoring your device activity, access the app information in another way. You can use someone else's phone or look for the information online using a computer that the abuser isn't monitoring. 
  • Even if you delete the app from the phone after using it, the app name and information will always exist in the download history of the phone or the app store account. Information about the app may also exist in the phone's data backups. 

2. UNDERSTAND THE LIMITATIONS OF THE APP:

  • Although assessments can be effective, an assessment tool will never know your relationship better than you. Trust your instincts. If you don't feel safe with someone, or if you think that the abuse is escalating and you may be in serious danger, call 911 or contact a program to get help. 

3. KNOW WHERE YOU CAN GET HELP: 

  • Some apps offer information on where to get help, but some of the resources may be specific to a local area. Check to see if those resources are local to you. 
  • If you want to talk about what you or someone you know is experiencing, these 24/7 hotlines can help and may recommend help closer to you:
    • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 / 800-787-3224 (TTY)
    • Teen Dating Helpline: 866-331-9474 / Text: "loveis" to 22522 (Note: Only text from a phone you do not believe the abuser is monitoring). 
    • Find your State Coalition and state/local hotlines: nnedv.org/coalitions
    • If you are in immediate danger and need assistance, call 911. 

Available Screening and Assessment Apps: