Computer and Internet Safety

Warning:

• Technology could make it possible for your abuser to see what Internet sites you have visited.
  
  
• Email is not a safe or confidential way to talk to someone about the danger or abuse in your life. Please call a telephone hotline instead.
  
  
• Traditional "corded" phones are more private than cell phones or cordless phones.
  
  

Explanation:

• There are hundreds of ways that computers record everything you do on the computer and on the Internet. They can provide a lot of information about what you look at on the Internet, the emails you send, etc. It is not possible to delete or clear all computer "footprints" and information that you want to keep private.
  
  
• If you are in danger, please try to use a safer computer, meaning one that your abuser cannot access directly, or even remotely (by hacking into it over the Internet).
  
  
• It might be safer to use a computer in a public library, a community technology center, or an Internet Cafe. When you are done with a public computer, log out of all programs completely (don't just close the Internet Explorer/browser window). It's best to shut down and/or restart the computer.
  
  
• If you think your activities are being monitored, they probably are. Abusive people are often controlling and want to know your every move. They don't need to be a computer programmer or have special skills to monitor another person's computer activities.
  
  
• If you are planning to flee, don't look at classified ads for jobs and apartments, bus tickets, etc., for that area on any computer an abuser can access physically or via the Internet. Use a safer computer to research an escape plan.