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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