Safety

If you are in danger, use a safer computer that someone abusive does not have direct or remote (hacking) access to. Download our Safety Planning Brochure.

Cyber Safety

• If you suspect that 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 and Internet activities – anyone can do it and there are many ways to monitor with programs like Spyware, keystroke loggers and hacking tools.
• It is not possible to delete or clear all the “footprints” of your computer or online activities. If you are being monitored, it may be dangerous to change your computer behaviors such as suddenly deleting your entire Internet history if that is not your regular habit.
• If you think you may be monitored on your home computer, be careful how you use your computer. You may want to keep using the monitored computer for innocuous activities, like looking up the weather. Use a safer computer to research an escape plan, look for new jobs or apartments, bus tickets or ask for help.
• Email, instant messaging (IM) and text messaging aren’t safe or confidential ways to talk to someone about the danger or abuse in your life. Call a hotline instead. If you use email or IM, use a safer computer or an account your abuser does not know about.
• Computers can store a lot of private information about what you look at via 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. It is safer to use a computer in a public library or at a trusted friend’s house.

Dating Safety Tips

• Trust your instincts
• Guard your identity; don’t give out personal information until you are comfortable
• You have the right to say no
• If you meet online, do not make a date until you talk on the phone first. A phone conversation may give more of an opportunity to pick up clues to potential problems
• On a first date or blind date, drive yourself so you have the ability to leave on your own if problems arise

Driving Safety Tips

• Never pick up hitchhikers or hitchhike
• Lock your doors as soon as you get in and keep them locked
• While walking to your car, look under the car and around the car
• Always have your keys ready to unlock the car door and enter without delay
• If you are being followed, drive to the nearest open business, police or fire station for help

Safety at Home

• Use only your first initial and last name when marking your mailbox and in the telephone book listing
• Install a door viewer and a one-inch deadbolt lock and use them
• Always replace or re-key locks when you move into a new home or apartment
• If a utility worker comes to the door, check ID through peep-hole or window. If you’re still unsure, call the utility company
• Never allow a stranger into your home to use your telephone. Instead, tell them that you’ll make the phone call for them