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SAFETY ALERT: If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, call 911 or your local hotline, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). For more details click here. There is always a computer trail, but you can leave this site quickly if you click  .
Internet and 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 call
EMERGENCY - 911
Crisis Services
716-834-3131
Haven House
716-884-6000 |
NY State DV Hotlines: English: 1-800-942-6906
English TTY: 1-800-818-0656
Spanish: 1-800-942-6908
Spanish TTY: 1-800-980-7660
National Hotline:
1-800-799-SAFE.
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If you are in danger, please try to use a safer computer that someone abusive does not have direct access, or even remote access to via hacking.
It might be safer to use a computer in a public library, at a trusted friend or family member’s home, Computer Technology Center, 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”. |
If you think you may be monitored on your home computer, you might consider not using a home computer for Internet use or "safer" Internet surfing. Example: If you are planning to flee to New York, don't look at classified ads for jobs and apartments, bus tickets, etc., on a home computer or any computer an abuser has physical or remote access to. Use a safer computer to research an escape plan.
Traditional “corded” phones are more private than cell phones or cordless phones.
Email is not a safe or confidential way to talk to someone about the danger or abuse in your life. Instead, please contact an advocate at a hotline number above.
Other precautions you can take to lessen your online risk include the following:
Never share your e-mail password(s). However, if you believe your abuser knows your password, before changing it, consider whether that may cause more danger by arousing suspicion.
Passwords should be difficult to figure out. Never use birth dates, street addresses, names etc.
Consider having more than one e-mail account so that you have an alternative if your abuser forces you to close an account.
Ask friends and family to not share your new e-mail addresses.
Never register your personal information such as your real address or phone number when you sign up for an online service or web e-mail accounts such as Yahoo or Hotmail.
Computers can also be a useful tool in accessing information about what you are going through and what you can do to seek help. However, keep in mind that some domestic violence websites are not legitimate and may give you misleading information. Your local domestic violence advocate can help sort out any information that may be confusing.
Email is not a safe or confidential way to talk to someone about the danger or abuse in your life, if you wish to obtain further information or speak to someone about the abuse in your life or someone else's life, please call the hotline numbers noted Please note: traditional “corded” phones are more private than cell phones or cordless phones.
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