Internet and Computer Safety Alert

If you are in danger, please call 911, a local hotline, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE

• There are many ways that computers record what you do on the computer and on the Internet. And with "spyware" (software that can be easily purchased), Internet sites that you visit can be traced, e-mail messages located, and personal information or correspondence found.

• If you are in danger, please try to use a computer to which your abuser does not have direct access, or even remote (hacking) access. For example, it might be safer to use a computer in a public library, at a community technology center, at a trusted friend's house, or at an Internet café. Making arrangements at work to use the computer during non-working hours might also be helpful.

• Abusive people are often controlling and want to know your every move. Computer programming or other special technical skills are not required to monitor someone's computer activities — almost anyone can do it and there are many ways to monitor.

• Computers can provide a lot of information about where you visit on the Internet, the emails you send, and other activities. Even deleting document files, folders, temporary Internet files, and cache memory does not delete or clear all computer "footprints."

Email and Instant Messaging (IM) are not considered confidential means of communication. Traditional "corded" phones are considered more private than cell phones and cordless phones.