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Chapter 9: Responding Safely to TFGBV

In this chapter, we will walk you through how to document and collect evidence of TFGBV and respond safely. It can be very overwhelming to do this, so we will provide additional resources for you that helped us to come up with this toolkit. This can come before or after you have found safe support, as we talked about in Chapter 8.

Documenting and Collecting Evidence Safely

Why documentation and evidence matters:

If you experience TFGBV, keeping evidence can help you get support, report to platforms, or take legal action. Documentation can also help you understand what is happening and can be useful if you decide to report the abuse.

You do not need to collect everything. Only do what feels safe. In fact, you may wish to have someone else with you to help you document evidence. Make sure that this person is a safe support person, and is respectful of your wishes.

How to preserve digital evidence:

• • Take screenshots of messages, posts, images, and profiles.
  • Write down profile usernames.
  • Save URLs, dates, and times.
  • Keep original emails or messages (they contain metadata). Do not delete them.
  • Store evidence in a safe place (not on a device the abuser can access).
  • Make both digital and printed copies. Store data on external hard drives that are not connected to the Cloud (such as USB sticks) if possible.

If you think someone is monitoring your device, it may be safer to document on paper or on a different device that the person cannot access.

You do not need to organize everything perfectly. Even small pieces of information can help later. We have developed a short form that will give you ideas of how to document TFGBV events.

Checklist: Evidence Preservation

While this document is imperfect, we hope it provides insight into how you can record a TFGBV event, which will in turn help law enforcement, applications, and crisis support workers to address your needs and wants. Access our resources folder link here to view a fillable PDF of the reporting form, titled “Reporting TFGBV Template”.

You can view a shortened version of the template in the activity below.

If you want a bigger picture of digital evidence, you can learn more with Tech Safety Canada’s Preserving Digital Evidence Toolkit, which has been linked here.

TFGBV Reporting Options

You have choices about whether and how to report TFGBV. You do not need to report right away. You do not need to report at all if it does not feel safe. Reporting is one option, but not the only option. However, please know that you are not alone, and there is support and help for you. You do not have to experience this by yourself.

Formal reporting options are important to know if you are in danger, if someone is threatening you, or if someone has taken control of your accounts or devices. These options are more “formal” or, traditional pathways of accessing law enforcement and crisis supports.

If someone is threatening to hurt you, or you feel in danger right now, you need to get help immediately. This is an emergency.

Community‑based options can feel safer and more accessible, especially if you are not ready to involve formal systems.

Emotional Regulation and Self‑Care

TFGBV affects your body and emotions. You may feel scared, angry, confused, or exhausted…. and these feelings are normal. Know that you did nothing wrong. Ways to care for yourself can include:

• Taking breaks from your devices.
• Doing something grounding, like deep breathing or stretching.
• Talking to someone who helps you feel calm.
• Spending time on activities that bring comfort.
• Using sensory tools, such as weighted blankets or calming music.
• Moving your body with light exercise, like taking a walk or doing yoga.
• Eating a meal that makes you happy.
• Spending time with a loved one who can support you.

If you feel overwhelmed, it can help to pause and return to the situation later with support and a calmer body. You can visit the Patient Voices Network blog post which is linked here, which lists 45 unique self-care ideas.

Responding to TFGBV is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about staying as safe as possible, choosing support that feels right for you, and taking small steps that help you regain control. You deserve safety, respect, and care in every part of your digital life.

Resources