Internet Safety
The following safety tips are provided by the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Visit their Internet Safety page for more tips and information.
Technology and the Internet are powerful tools for anyone experiencing domestic violence. Unfortunately, they can also be used by abusive partners to begin, continue, or escalate abuse, making it all the more important to ensure your safety online.
Internet safety
- Computers store information about the websites you visit, purchases made, and messages sent. You should always consider that a computer might be monitored when you use it and be careful with what you send others or post.
- Using safe browsing practices (like using a VPN) can help prevent abusive partners from tracking your Internet history.
Email safety
- Email can be a useful way to keep in touch with trusted friends and family members who may be aware of your situation. An abusive partner is likely to know this and may have access to your email account without your knowledge. To be safe, open an account your partner doesn’t know about on a safe computer and use that email for safety planning and sensitive communications.
Cell phone safety
- Cell phones can be used to track your location and retrieve call and text history.
- If you’re in an abusive relationship, consider purchasing a pay-as-you-go phone and keep it in a safe place for private calls. Use a password on your phone and update it regularly. If you are concerned that your partner may be secretly monitoring your phone, consider taking it into a cell phone service center to check for any spyware that may be downloaded.
- If you use Apple products learn more about Safety Check, an important tool that allows users to quickly view and reset information sharing and access with people, apps, and devices.
Social media safety
- Posts on social media are never truly private, no matter your settings: once it’s online, it’s no longer under your control. Be protective of your personal information and remember that phone numbers, addresses, handles, and personal details (like birth date, schools you attended, employers, and photos with landmarks) may make it easier for someone to reach you.