Online Safety
Covering Your TracksYour online activities may be traceable or monitored by your abuser. The safest way to get help online is to use a computer that your abuser does not have access to, such as at the library, at work or at a friend's or relative's house.
To reduce the risk of an abuser discovering your online activity, you should clear the history or cache file after your online search. You should also make sure that the Use Inline Autocomplete button is NOT checked. This function will complete a partial web address when typing a url in the address line.
Internet Explorer
- Click on Tools
- Choose Internet Options from the dropdown menu
- Under Temporary Internet Files, choose Delete Files
- Check the box to delete all offline content
- Under History, click on Clear History
- Click on the Advanced tab
- Under Browsing, scroll down to Use Inline Autocomplete and make sure it is unchecked
For more information on other browsers, visit the American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence site.
Online Predators
The anonymity of the Internet means that there are many predators lurking online. To protect yourself from online predators, follow the tips below.
- Use a gender neutral user id or e-mail address
- Never reveal personal information about yourself to someone you have just met online
- Do not give out your e-mail address in chat rooms or newsgroups. Create a separate free e-mail service such as Hotmail or Yahoo.
- If you receive threatening e-mails or messages, don't delete them. Save them as they may be used as evidence if you press charges.
- For more information, visit WHOA (Working to Halt Online Abuse)