Please note that computer use can be monitored by an abuser and is impossible to completely clear. If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, call your local hotline and/or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
There are ways that an abuser can access your email and also find out where you have been on the internet. It is impossible to hide all your tracks.
There are hundreds of ways that computers record everything you do on the Internet.
If you are in danger, please try to use a safer computer that someone abusive does not have direct access, or even remote (hacking) access to. You can go to a public terminal at a library, community center, or domestic violence agency. There is a national directory of community technology centers at www.ctnet.org.
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".
Email is not a safe or confidential way to talk to someone about the danger or abuse in your life, please call a hotline instead.Traditional "corded" phones are more private than cell phones or cordless phones.
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.
For additional information and assistance, please go to The National Center for Victims of Crime page on Cyberstalking: www.ncvc.org/src/help/cyberstalking.html.
You may also contact a local Alaska domestic violence/sexual assault program or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or (TTY) 1-800-787-3224 and they will assist you in finding the help you need through the telephone.
Last Reviewed On: 11/29/04
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