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Computer, Email and Cell Phone Safety
There are a number of safety and privacy issues that can
be impacted by technology. Here are just a few safety considerations to keep
in mind when using a computer, email, or a cell phone:
- If you are in danger, use a safe computer that your
abuser cannot access (a public library or school, the home of a trusted
friend).
- There are many ways all your activities on the computer
including browsing the Internet are recorded.
- Email and Instant/Text Messaging (IM) are not a safe or
private way to talk to someone about the danger or abuse in your life.
- Traditional “corded” phones are more private than cell
phones or cordless phones.
- You may not be able to reach 9-1-1 using an Internet
phone or Internet-based phone service. You may need to be prepared to use
another phone to call 9-1-1.
Computer and Internet Safety
Computers have the ability to store a lot of private
information about what sites you visit on the Internet, the emails and
instant messages you send, internet-based phone and IP-TTY calls you make,
web-based purchases and banking, and many other activities. If you must use
a computer your abuser can access, you can attempt to cover your tracks by
doing the following:
Note: It is not possible to completely delete or clear all the “footprints"
from your computer or online activity. Clearing your browser history will
make it more difficult, but NOT impossible for someone to trace your
computer use. If you are being monitored, it may be dangerous to change your
computer behavior by suddenly deleting your entire Internet history if you
have never done so before. The safest way to find information on the
Internet is to use a safe computer that your abuser cannot access.
- Use an email account your abuser cannot access. If an
abuser has access to your email account, he or she may be able to read your
incoming and outgoing mail. If you believe your account is secure, make sure
you select a password they will not be able to guess.
- Do not store passwords and change your password or
passwords often. Do not use obvious passwords, such as your birthday or your
pet’s name. Use passwords that include both letters and numbers.
- Delete emails and files/documents. Delete emails from
the “Send” or “Outbox” and then also delete emails from the “Deleted Items”
box. In addition, empty the “Recycle” or “Trash Bin” of any documents before
shutting down the computer. Make this a regular routine so it is not an
unusual action that triggers suspicion.
- Clear cookies, temporary web site files and browser
history. Cookies are information that a web site leaves on your hard drive
about your visit to that web site. A temporary web site file is left on your
computer each time you visit a web site. One of its pages, usually the home
page, is stored “temporarily” on your hard drive. Usually Internet browser
software retains a list, or History, of all the web sites you visit. Refer to
your software “Help” menu or technical support for further information.
- Clear the search engine. Many search engines retain and
display past searches. Check whichever search engine you use for information
on how to turn this feature off.
- If you add a site to your “Favorites” (also known as
bookmarking) other people who use your computer can use your Favorites to
see what web sites you have visited.
Source: National Network to End Domestic Violence
Protect Your Email Privacy
Taking steps to maintain your personal safety when
using email and other electronic communications is important. Your abuser
could have access to your email account if:
- You share an email account. Whenever you share the same
email account your partner will be able to read any of the emails in the
account.
- You use Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora, or a similar
program to check your email. These programs allow anybody who has access to
your computer to read your email.
- You check your email on the Internet. Your abuser may
have access to your email account if they know your email address and
password. Also, some people have their computers set up to save their email
address and password for them. If your computer has your email address and
password saved, anyone with access to your computer can read your email.
- You share your password with them.
- You say “yes” when your browser asks you if you’d like
to save your password. Although it’s convenient, it’s not a good
idea—especially when the computer you are using is shared.
- You write your password down. If you absolutely must
write down a new password the first time or two you use it, be sure you keep
it in a very safe, hidden place—not a sticky note stuck to your computer or
your desk! Once you’ve memorized it, shred it—don’t just toss it in the
trash.
Source: National Network to End Domestic Violence
Cell Phone Safety
If you use a cell phone, be aware there are numerous
ways an abuser can use cell phone technology to overhear your calls or
locate you. Use a cell phone only if you do not have access to a regular
phone, and make sure that you do not give any identifying details on a cell
phone. If your abuser works for a phone company or law enforcement agency,
use extreme caution, and discuss cell phone safety with a domestic violence
advocate.
A cellular phone in "silent mode" or "auto answer" can serve as a tracking
device. Some recent models of cell phones have GPS (Global Positioning
System), which is a location-finding feature. You can check with your phone
company to learn if your cell phone has this feature. If you are fleeing
from your abuser, either turn off your cell phone or leave it behind.
Wireless carriers are required to complete 9-1-1 calls, even when a phone is
not activated. Any phone that turns on and receives a signal is capable of
making 9-1-1 calls. It is important to know that if the phone you're using
isn't activated, i.e., there isn't a phone number assigned to it, and you're
disconnected from the 9-1-1 dispatch center, you must call 9-1-1 back.
Contact EDVP at 425-746-1940 to learn about cell phone donation programs for
emergency services.
Source: National Network to End Domestic Violence
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© 2009 Eastside Domestic Violence Program 1-425-562-8840