There are many ways that someone can monitor what you do on your computer and trace your online activity. Your computer has detailed information about the web sites you visit, the emails you send or receive and the documents that you create, view, download or delete. Your abuser does not need to be a computer expert or have special technical skills to track your computer activities. If you must use a computer that your abuser has access to, it is important that you learn to take precautions to hide your Internet activity. Even if you follow the advice and tips outlined here, it is impossible to clear all of the traces of information stored on your computer—your batterer may still be able to track your online activity
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The National Domestic Violence Hotline can answer technical questions and help you in your safety planning.
For more information:
800.799.SAFE (7233)
TTY: 800.787.3224 |
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Internet safety tips
National Coalition
Against Domestic Violence |
Visit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence web site for on how to delete information created by your web browser: history, cache, cookies, web form data and download history.
http://www.ncadv.org/ |
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Email safety tips
Email may not be a safe or confidential way to speak about the abuse in your life.
If your abuser has access to your email account, he will be able to read any incoming or outgoing emails in your account. If you use Outlook, Outlook Express, Endora or a similar program to check your email, anyone who has access to your computer can read your email. Instead, call a domestic violence crisis hotline and ask for assistance in figuring out next steps.
A few simple steps to protect your email privacy
Never share your email password. If you do, change it immediately.
Passwords should be impossible to guess. Do not use birthdates, street addresses or family or pet names as passwords.
Do not include your name or any other personal information that could identify you in your email address.
Never check-off the box “remember my user name” or “remember my password” when registering online.
Never register your personal information (real address or phone number) when you sign up for an online service or web email account such as Yahoo or Hotmail.
Additional Resources
