Escape Button

Click the orange ‘Safety Exit’ button in the bottom right corner of your browser to leave this site quickly.

If you are in danger, find a safer computer, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY), or the Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network at 1-800-656-4673.

 

Internet Safety

  • Your computer use can be monitored and may be impossible to conceal.
  • E-mail is not a safe way to talk to someone about the abuse in your life.
  • There are hundreds of ways to record everything you do on the computer and what you access on the Internet.
  • If you think your activities are being monitored, they probably are. Use a computer at a public library or a computer lab to access resources and information. Any indication of leaving a domestic violence situation could put you in danger.
  • It is not possible to delete or clear all computer “footprints.”  Erasing or deleting files could also alert your abuser and possibly increase your danger.
  • Do not let your computer save your passwords.
  • Spyware can be easily installed on a computer or smartphone and is often difficult to detect. Every keystroke, web page, or, if on a smartphone, text messages, conversations, and GPS location can be viewed, heard, and seen by someone monitoring you with spyware.

Quick Tips

  • If you receive harassing e-mails, save them as evidence.
  • Use a web-based email service like Google, Yahoo, or Hotmail.
  • Choose passwords that are not easy to guess and change passwords often.
  • Keep your files on a removable flash drive.

Private or Anonymous Browsing

  • Most web browsers now offer an option to browse the internet in an anonymous or private window.  This means that no information – cookies,  temporary Internet files, history, and other data – will be collected or stored on your computer about any sites you visit while in that window. Keep in mind, if you download information, order online, etc., your privacy may still be compromised. Check out the browser’s privacy policy before use. Because this is a newer option, you’ll need to make sure your web browser is up-to-date.
  • Internet Explorer: open a new tab.  In the main body of the page, you should see an option to “Open an InPrivate Browsing window.” 
  • Firefox: Click on the orange Firefox menu on the upper left corner, choose “Start Private Browsing.” 
  • Chrome: Click the wrench icon on the browser toolbar, then select “New incognito window.”