YOUR ABUSER CAN TRACK YOU ONLINE
If you are currently
married to or dating someone abusive and your instincts tell you that
you are being tracked, stalked or abused, you should use a computer
that your abuser does not know about. Computers are available at
public libraries, Internet cafés and at sites in your community,
such as, park districts or a community technology center
(http://www.ctcnet.org). You can also use a computer at the home
of a trusted friend.
INTERNET SAFETY
Computers record
everything you do. It is IMPOSSIBLE to clear your tracks completely.
Your computer stores hundreds of bits of information about everything
you do with your computer, including information about websites you
have visited, passwords, and emails. It is possible that your abuser is
tracking the websites you visit or reading your email messages.
If you suspect 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. There are many ways to monitor
your activities - even without having direct access to your
computer.
Email
Email is not a safe or
confidential way to communicate. You are better off to use a
phone at a friend’s house or a pay phone in the event that your abuser
knows your email password.
If you must use email to
discuss your situation or to look for resources, use an email address
that your abuser doesn't know about. Set up anew account with a
free email service like Hotmail,
or Yahoo. Use an address
that is unlike your own name. Make up something that won’t lead
to you.
Internet Search
Search the Internet for
your own name. This is especially important if you have left an
abusive situation. Advise friends not to post photos of you on a
site such as MySpace or FaceBook. There is little you can do if
your personal information, such as your new address shows up on a
search engine, but you will know that it is out there. If your
abuser is using the Internet to stalk you or is posting inappropriate
content or threats about you, contact the authorities and your attorney.
