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SAFETY ALERT: Computer use can be monitored.  It is impossible to completely clear a computer of your information.  If you are in danger, please use a safe computer, call your local hotline, and/or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.  If you are at a safe computer, please read below.

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 safe computer - one 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) 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”.

• If you think you may be monitored on your home computer, you might consider no home Internet use 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.