There are hundreds of ways that computers record everything you do on the computer and 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.
It may be safer to use a computer in a public library, at a community technology center ÝCTCß www.ctcnet.org Ýnational directoryß, at a trusted friend's house, or an Internet Cafée'
If you are in danger, please: Call 911 / Call our Hotline: 845-628-2166
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 someone.
Computers can provide a lot of information about what you look at on the Internet, the e-mails you send, and other activities. It is not possible to delete or clear all computer "footprints". If you think you may be monitored on your home computer, you might consider no home Internet use or "safer" Internet surfing or social networking. Example: If you are planning to flee to another jurisdiction, don't look at classified ads for jobs and apartments, bus tickets, etc. for that jurisdiction on a home computer or any computer an abuser has physical or remote access to. Use a safer computer to research an escape/safety plan.
Internet Safety
Cell phones can be a great tool for domestic violence programs and survivors. However, programs and survivors need to be aware of the possible dangers.
If a survivor has a cell phone that was provided by the abuser, the survivor may want to get rid of the phone or turn it off when in the shelter. Removing the battery while the phone is off is another good precaution. This will most likely keep the phone’s GPS system from showing the abuser where the individual is.
If a survivor would like a cell phone, but doesn'’t want the abuser to know about it, the popular “pay as you go” cell phones can provide a good option. By filling out the form with false information, and paying for the phone with cash, the survivor has created a way to have a safer cell phone, since it cannot be traced back to the survivor. The survivor may also want to block the outgoing caller ID on the phone. Instructions in the cell phone manual, or a cell phone service provider, should be able to help with this. By blocking the outgoing caller ID, the survivor’s number will not show up on the caller ID when the cell phone is used to place a call.
Service providers may want to think about how they use cell phones and what information they discuss while using them. Cell phone signals can be intercepted by various means, and there have been cases where perpetrators have used this to gain information about their victims.
If you are currently experiencing a life threatening emergency please call 911.
If you are a victim of an Internet or Cell Phone Related Crime or any other related crime(s) and want or need assistance please call our
24 hour Crisis Hotline at 845-628-2166
or our Main Office at 845-628-9284
