// Refuge Operators
A tracked device brought into a refuge by an incoming resident can expose the location of the facility and put every person inside at risk. Safe Sweep provides dedicated sweep services for refuge operators, incoming resident screening, and facility security assessments.
02 8551 8883 - 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
// 01 - The Tracking Risk in Refuges
When a victim flees to a refuge, they often bring with them the possessions packed in a hurry - a bag, a jacket, a child's toy. Any of these may contain a Bluetooth tracker placed by their abuser before or during their departure. A single AirTag brought into a refuge reports the GPS coordinates of the facility to the abuser in real time.
The same risk applies to vehicles. If a resident's car is parked at or near the facility with a tracker on it, the location of the refuge may be exposed within hours of their arrival.
AirTags and similar Bluetooth trackers are now widely used in domestic violence situations. Police reports across Australia document cases where trackers have been used to locate victims at refuges and safe houses. The risk is real, current, and growing.
// 02 - What Safe Sweep Provides for Refuges
A sweep of an incoming resident's possessions, clothing, and vehicle before or shortly after arrival at the facility. Covers Bluetooth trackers, GPS devices, and any electronic items of concern.
Resident SafetyA comprehensive sweep of the facility covering all rooms, common areas, installed infrastructure, and external grounds. Includes RF analysis, optical lens detection, and NLJD for dormant devices.
Facility SecurityCaseworkers and refuge staff can themselves become targets if an abuser suspects they are assisting a victim. Safe Sweep provides personal and vehicle sweeps for staff in elevated-risk situations.
Staff ProtectionFor high-throughput refuges, Safe Sweep can establish a regular sweep schedule and provide staff training on identifying and managing tracker risk with incoming residents.
Ongoing Protocol// 03 - Operational Security
Safe Sweep understands that refuge locations are protected information. We operate with strict operational security throughout every engagement.
We do not retain facility addresses beyond the duration of the engagement. Operators attend in unmarked vehicles. We coordinate arrival times to avoid any appearance that would raise concern in the surrounding area. All documentation is handled securely and is not stored on cloud systems accessible outside the engagement.
We offer pro-bono and reduced-fee arrangements for funded DV services. Contact us to discuss your facility's needs.
Tell us about your facility and what you need covered. Pro bono arrangements available.