Hide your Internet tracks
Learn how to use personal computers safely

If you are a victim of domestic violence, connect to the Internet through a computer that your abuser cannot access—use a computer at work, a friend’s house, your local library or another place other than your home.

WARNING
There are many ways that someone can monitor what you do on your home computer and trace your online activity. Your computer records 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. The only safe computer is one that your abuser cannot access.

Access a safe computer at your local library

Visit The New York Public Library web site to find the location of your nearest library. Most branches of the New York Public Library have computers for public use.

Technology safety planning

	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

Download technology safety planning tips from the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

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	English (PDF format, 1 page, 25k)
	Spanish (PDF format, 1 page, 39k)
	Chinese (PDF format, 1 page, 160k)
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Internet safety tips

	Visit the Safe Horizon web site for easy-to-follow instructions on how to delete information created by your web browser: history, cache, cookies, web form data and download history.
	Visit WomensLaw.org for detailed information on Internet safety in English and Spanish. En español.

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.

	Visit the Violence Against Women Online Resources (VAWOR) web site to learn more email privacy tips.

• 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.

	The WomensLaw.org web site offers detailed information in English and Spanish on email and Internet saftey. Learn more about the steps you can take to protect your electronic privacy. En español.

Additional Resources

	Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Internet safety and your privacy
	National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women Safety considerations around using technology Protect your phone privacy. Bilingual information for blocking telephone calls using ‘caller ID,’ ‘taking a call,’ ‘line blocking’ and ‘per call blocking.’

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