Internet & Computer Safety

Important considerations regarding Domestic Violence, Computer Use, and Safety:

•  There are hundreds of ways that computers record everything you do on the computer and on the Internet.

•  If you are in danger, please try and use a safer computer that someone abusive does not have direct access, or even remote (hacking) access to.

•  It might be safer to use a computer in a public library, at a community technology center (CTC), at a trusted friend's house, or an Internet Cafe.

• If you think your activities are being monitored, they probably are.  Abusive people 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 computer activities- anyone can do it and there are many ways to monitor.

• Computers can provide a lot of information about what you look at on the Internet, the e-mails you send, and other activities.  It is not possible to delete or clear all computer "footprints".

•  E-mail is not a safe or confidential way to talk to someone about the danger or abuse in your life, please call a local hotline or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) instead.  The Domestic Violence Center 24 Hour Crisis Helpline is: 1-800-391-HELP (4357).

• If you think you may be monitored on your home computer, you might consider no home Internet use or "safer" Internet surfing.  Example: If you are planning to flee to California, don't look at classified ads for jobs and housing, bus tickets, etc. for California on a home computer or any computer an abuser has physical or remote access to.  Use a safer computer to research an escape plan.

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