Please be aware that as of October 1, 2023, the DocuSAFE app will no longer function. If you are a user of the app, we strongly advise that you take immediate action to remove your data from the app and securely store it in a safe place. Safeguarding your data is essential. We do not have access to your information and cannot help you retrieve it.

For guidance on effective documentation management, we invite you to explore Documentation Tips on our website.


What is DocuSAFE and who can use it?

DocuSAFE is a free app for survivors to collect, store, and share evidence of abuse; such as domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, online harassment, or trafficking. Survivors can log individual incidents through photos, screenshots, or video documentation of threatening messages, harassing social media posts, unwanted repeated phone calls, or online impersonation, among other behaviors.

What should I consider before downloading this app?

If the abusive person has access to your device or knows the password to your cloud storage account, they may see the app and that could be a safety risk. Users must connect the app to their iOS or Google cloud account to ensure content isn’t lost if the device is misplaced or damaged. Please read the privacy policy and assess any other technology safety concerns using our Survivor Technology Safety & Privacy Toolkit before download. If you have concerns about your safety, please see this list of national hotlines to speak with an advocate who can provide you with support around safety planning.

Where will my documentation be stored?

The documentation you add into the app will be stored within the app and in your cloud storage. Content uploaded to the app from the device’s gallery will also remain in the gallery unless deleted. Images or video taken from within the app will only save within the app and in the cloud. If you have any concern that your device is being monitored you should NOT download this app.

How can I share my documentation and is it secure?

Your documentation can be shared securely if you choose. You could be working with an attorney and need to share examples of the threatening / harassing messages to prepare for court. Or you may be representing yourself in civil court and need to send yourself the content to print hardcopies. You could also be talking with law enforcement about possible criminal charges. Or, you may want to share some or all of your documentation with a friend, family member, or send to your own email address.

How you use your documentation is up to you.

Communication is encrypted and will use a secure link. The recipient will receive a link by email with the specific content you are sharing (you choose). You then share an unlock code so they can open the link and see the content (without the code, the link cannot be opened). This two-step process provides a layer of security to minimize the chance of someone else seeing your documentation.

How can I use this app to prepare for court?

Some courts have specific ways they will accept evidence. Some may look at your device, for example, while others may require printed versions. To learn more about what is suggested and needed in your jurisdiction, please check with law enforcement, the court, an attorney, or an advocate. There is a section in the app on Preparing for Court, and you can also visit WomensLaw.org’s Preparing for Court for more information.

How can I log into the app and what is biometric authentication?

At set-up, all users will be prompted to create a security PIN. Choose a pin that is unique and is unlikely for someone else to guess. You will also have the option of using biometric authentication to open the app; a security process used to manage a person’s access to a device. Examples of biometric identifiers are fingerprints, facial patterns, or your voice. If you’re not familiar, look into how your device uses biometrics authentication and the benefits and risks of using it.