Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, perhaps at you local library. If you are in immediate danger call 911, your local hotline, or the Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-228-7395, or Sexual Violence Hotline, 1-800-489-7273. If you are at a safer computer, please read on.

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 (hacking) access to.
  
• It might be safer to use a computer in a public library, at a community technology center (CTC) http://www.ctcnet.org/ (national 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 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 emails you send, and other activities. It is not possible to delete or clear all computer "footprints".
  
• Email is not a confidential way to talk to someone about the danger or abuse in your life. Please call instead: the Statewide DV hotline at 1-800-228-7395 or SV hotline at 1-800-489-7273, or contact your local Network program.
  
• If you think you may be monitored on your home computer, you might consider not using home Internet or "safer" Internet surfing. Example: If you are planning to flee to California, don't look at classified ads for jobs and apartments, 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.