Internet & Computer 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 to use a safer computer that someone abusive does not have direct access, or even remote access.

It might be safer to use a computer in a public library, at a community technology center (CTC) www.ctcnet.org (directory), at a trusted friend’s house, or an Internet Café. 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 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 emails you send, and other activities. It is impossible to delete or clear all computer “footprints”. If you think you may be monitored on your home computer, you might consider no home Internet use or "safer" Internet surfing.

Also important to remember is that email is not a safe or confidential way to talk to someone about the danger or abuse in your life. For this reason, you will not find email links on this site, please call us instead at 800-537-2238. Traditional “corded” phones are more private than cell phones or cordless phones.