Should a victim or witness delete harmful content?¶

A victim or witness should not automatically delete harmful content before it has been preserved and the safeguarding consequences considered.

Avoid this assumption: Deletion is the quickest way to make the problem disappear. It may remove evidence, alter account history, synchronise deletion across devices or trigger a reaction from another user.

First record the content, service, account, sender, recipient, time, status and surrounding context.

Preserve the original device and account where practicable.

Where content is distressing, threatening, intimate or unlawful, minimise unnecessary viewing and access.

Do not require the victim or witness to repeatedly open or display it.

Specialist, safeguarding or provider support may help preserve the material without prolonging exposure.

Where immediate welfare requires content to be hidden, blocked or removed, use the least destructive effective option and record why the action was necessary.

Some platforms offer reporting, muting, hiding or restricting options that may preserve more context than deletion, but each can create account records.

Record the exact action, time, device and resulting change.

Do not assume deletion removes every copy. The sender, provider, linked device, backup or another participant may retain it.

Provide a safe communication route and clear advice about further contact.

Record any reporting, blocking or hiding option already visible before it is used, and preserve the warning that explains what the platform will do.

Record who can still access the material after the protective action.

Operational takeaway¶

Preserve harmful content and its context before deletion where practicable, while prioritising welfare and recording every protective action and evidential consequence.