Breaking Free Together: How Covenant Eyes and the Victory App Are Transforming Recovery from Pornography

In a world where smartphones, tablets, and laptops put the entire internet in our pockets, one of the biggest challenges for individuals and families is navigating the ever-present dangers of online pornography. For more than 25 years, Covenant Eyes has been at the forefront of addressing this issue—not just by blocking explicit content, but by fostering relationships that help people walk in freedom.

In a recent Pure Sex Radio conversation (video above), Jonathan Daugherty sat down with Sam Black, Director of Recovery Education at Covenant Eyes, to talk about the ministry’s history, their relational approach to online accountability, and a powerful resource anyone can access for free: the Victory app.

From Simple Filtering to Relational Accountability

When Covenant Eyes began in 2000, there were no smartphones and far fewer ways to access the internet. The idea was groundbreaking: create online accountability—a way for people to share their internet activity reports with a trusted friend or family member, so they’re not isolated in their temptations.

Sam explained:

“We invented the concept of online accountability 25 years ago. From the beginning, it wasn’t just about monitoring—it was about conversation. Being able to say, ‘Here’s what’s happening when I’m online,’ so you’re not alone when temptation comes.”

In the early days, Covenant Eyes gave users the option of just filtering or adding accountability. Very quickly, they discovered that filters alone weren’t enough. “There’s no wall tall enough that addiction won’t try to climb over,” Sam shared. Accountability and relationship were the keys to lasting change.

The Power of an “Ally,” Not Just an “Accountability Partner”

Over time, the language inside Covenant Eyes shifted from “accountability partner” to ally. Why? Because the word “accountability” had, in some circles, become about punishment, shaming, or “catching” someone doing wrong.

“An ally is someone who has your back,” Sam said. “They know your goals and want to help you achieve them. It’s about encouragement and shared goals, not judgment.”

This change in language reflects what Be Broken Ministries teaches as well: overcoming sexual struggles is not a solo journey. Freedom happens best in safe, grace-filled relationships where truth and love work together.

Introducing the Victory App by Covenant Eyes

Out of that commitment to relationship came the Victory app—a free companion application that deepens the connection between a person in recovery (“the hero”) and their ally.

Covenant Eyes actually uses two apps:

1. Covenant Eyes app – monitors device activity and provides reports.

2. Victory app – delivers those reports to allies, offers over 40 mini-courses for recovery, facilitates communication, and provides emotional check-ins.

   
   

You can use the Victory app whether or not you have a Covenant Eyes subscription—making it accessible to anyone seeking encouragement and structure in their recovery journey.

What’s Inside the Victory App?

Jonathan and Sam walked through several key features:

1. Activity Reports in Real Time

No more waiting for a weekly email—users and allies can see a 24/7 activity feed, helping them address issues right away instead of days later.

2. Mini-Courses for Recovery

More than 40 short, practical courses (each 3–5 minutes a day) cover topics like:

• Why people turn to porn and how to break the cycle

• Healing from trauma that fuels addiction

• Grace-based recovery principles (created by Be Broken!)

• Restoring relationships and trust after betrayal

• Parenting in a hypersexualized culture

The courses are written by experts and vetted by licensed counselors to ensure they’re biblically sound and psychologically solid.

3. Emotional Check-Ins

The new “check-in” process not only reports device activity but also asks the user how they’re feeling, using a feelings wheel to go deeper than “good” or “bad.” Over time, these check-ins will chart patterns—linking emotions, triggers, and behaviors to help heroes and allies spot trends.

4. Community Support

A built-in community feed allows users to share victories, prayer requests, or encouragement. Other members can comment or react, creating a sense of “I’m not alone.”

5. Messaging Between Hero and Ally

The app makes it easy to send a note of encouragement, share a struggle, or check in outside scheduled calls.

Serving Men and Women

One myth that needs busting: pornography is only a “men’s issue.” Sam highlighted that about one-third of women in the church today report an ongoing struggle with porn. This number skyrocketed after smartphones became common.

“There was a dramatic shift starting in 2007 when the iPhone came out,” Sam explained. “We were suddenly handing everyone—men, women, and kids—an endless library of pornography.”

Because of this, Covenant Eyes designed resources specifically for both men and women, including “Arise,” a 21-day video and reading program created by women, for women.

Support for Parents and Betrayed Spouses

The Victory app isn’t just for those directly struggling. It offers resources for:

• Parents – How to talk to kids about porn, equip them for when they inevitably encounter it, and protect devices.

• Betrayed spouses – Understanding trauma, setting boundaries, and moving toward healing.

• Allies – How to support someone without being passive or controlling, and how to have honest, helpful conversations.

Overcoming Obstacles – Technological and Cultural

Developing the Victory app and other tools hasn’t been without challenges. Sam explained that Covenant Eyes has to design within Apple and Google’s strict app store guidelines, which limits what software can do.

Another hurdle has been shifting how digital accountability works. As the internet became more secure (https), and content increasingly comes through apps instead of simple websites, Covenant Eyes had to build screen-based monitoring with AI. Now, anything that appears on a device’s screen can be detected (blurred for privacy), regardless of source—browser, email, image file, or app.

Help Is Always a Call Away

Even with great technology, recovery can feel complicated. That’s why Covenant Eyes offers free Member Care via phone, chat, or email—helping users install software, interpret reports, and access additional resources.

Recovery Is a Journey

One of the core truths Sam emphasized is that recovery is not just about stopping pornography; it’s about moving toward wholeness in Christ. That’s why the app blends monitoring with education, self-reflection, ally support, and community.

“We want to help people find lasting freedom,” Sam said, “not just figure out, ‘If I try harder today, maybe I’ll do better.’ This is about living in Christ’s wholeness.”

Free Resources You Can Use Today

You don’t have to wait to take a step toward freedom. Covenant Eyes offers:

• Victory app – Free for anyone, even non-subscribers. Search “Victory by Covenant Eyes” in your app store or use the browser version.

• Strive21 – A free 21-day video and reading program to jumpstart recovery (strive21.com).

• Arise – A 21-day program for women navigating pornography struggles.

Special Giveaway – The Healing Church

As part of this conversation, Sam is giving away 10 free copies of his book The Healing Church: What Churches Get Wrong About Pornography and How to Fix It. Written for pastors, ministry leaders, and everyday church members, the book offers a vision for how the church can respond to pornography struggles with truth, grace, and practical support.

To request a free copy, email psr@bebroken.org with the subject line “Free Book” or “Healing Church.” The first 10 requests will receive the book at no cost.

Your Next Step

Whether you’re currently struggling, walking with someone who is, or wanting to protect your family, the message is clear: You don’t have to battle alone. The tools and relationships you need are available—many of them for free.

If you’ve never tried an accountability tool, download the Victory app. If you want to better support someone else, take one of the Ally courses in the app. If you’re ready to help your church engage this issue biblically, grab a copy of The Healing Church.

Freedom doesn’t come from filters alone—it comes from walking in the light, building healthy connections, and grounding your life in the hope of the Gospel.

Need help taking your next step?

Contact us for more resources, events, and support groups to help you or your loved ones move from sexual brokenness to wholeness in Christ.