Internet Safety

Everything you do online is recorded. It is IMPOSSIBLE to clear your tracks completely. Your devices can store hundreds of bits of information about everything you do with your computer or phone, including information about which websites you’ve visited, your passwords, and what your emails say. An abuser can easily track the websites you visit or read your email messages.

If you suspect your activities are being monitored, they probably are. Abusers are often controlling and want to know your every move. You don’t need to be a computer programmer or have special skills to monitor someone’s online activities – anyone can do it and there are many ways to monitor your activities – even without having direct access to your computer or phone. Using a separate computer is best, but you can protect yourself at home by familiarizing yourself with processes like private browsing, deleting your browser history, clearing your cache and deleting cookies.

Social Media Safety

Just like the websites you visit may be saved in your browser history, what you post on social media accounts may be visible to an abuser. Be sure to check your audience permissions and manage your privacy settings for any social media accounts.

Additionally, your phone’s geo-location software helps pin every photo you take to a location. Before you post a photo, make sure location-tagging options are switched to “Off” or left blank.

Email Safety

Email is not a safe or confidential way to communicate.

Sending email is like sending a postcard through the mail. Anyone along the path can read what it says.

If you need to talk to someone about the danger or abuse in your life, if possible, please call a hotline instead.

If you must use email to discuss your situation we suggest you use an account that your abuser doesn’t know about. Set up a new account with a free email service like Hotmail, Yahoo, or Gmail.