INTERNET & COMPUTER SAFETY

If you are in danger, please call 911, your local hotline, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. 

• Computers record everything you do when you are using them and using the Internet in hundreds of ways.

• It is not possible to delete or clear all indications from the computer of how it has been used.

• If you think your home computer is being monitored, do not use it, or only use it for "safe" activities.  For example if you are planning to flee to another state and an abuser has physical or remote access to your computer, don't use it to look at ads for jobs, apartments, bus tickets, etc. Research your escape plan in another way or on a safer computer.

• If you are in danger, don't use any computer which your abuser can access, either directly or by hacking.  It might be safer to use a computer in a public library, at a trusted friend's house, at a community technology center, or at an internet cafe.

• Email is not a safe or confidential way to talk to someone about the danger or abuse in your life. Telephone instead.

• Traditional telephones with cords are more private than cell phones or cordless phones.

• If you think your activities are being monitored, they probably are. Abusive people are often controlling and want to know your every move.  Anyone can learn how to monitor another person's computer activities - you don't need special skills.

These safety tips come from the National Safe & Strategic Technology Project at the National Network to End Domestic Violence.