Computers create records of what you have been doing. If you are in danger, please try and use a computer that your abuser does not have access to, even trying to go to a computer in a public library, using a computer at work, or an Internet Cafe.

Abusive people are controling and want to know your every move. If you must use your own computer here are some tips to help you cover your tracks:

EMAIL - Rather than using home emailing systems like AOL or Outlook Express because they may have access to your incoming and outgoing mail, it is safest to use an web-based mailing system such as Yahoo Mail or Hotmail.

ONLINE FILE STORAGE - You can store your files online and access them from any computer. Check out iBackup and Hyperoffice.

WEB BROWSER HISTORY - Web browsers keep a running history of the Web pages you have visited and keep copies of the graphics on these pages. Also, Windows and Macintosh systems keep a history of the Web pages and documents you have recently accessed. Perform the following steps to get rid of history:

A. Delete your document history as follows:

Windows

  1. Click on the Start menu, then select Settings, Taskbar and Start Menu. This will bring up the Taskbar Properties dialog.
  2. Click on the Advanced tab on the dialog box. Click on the Clear button.
B. Delete your Web browser's history and saved graphics as follows:


Microsoft Internet Explorer

  1. Click on the Tools menu, then click on Internet Options. A dialog box will come up.

    2.
  2. Click the Delete Files button in the Temporary Internet files area. Click OK when the confirmation box comes up.

  3. Click the Clear History button.

    4.


Netscape Navigator

  1. Click on the Edit menu, then click on Preferences. A dialog box will come up.

    2.
  2. Click the Clear History button.

  3. Click the Clear Location Bar button.

  4. In the Category: panel on the left side of the dialog box, click the little next to Advanced. Click on Cache.

  5. In the Cache panel on the right, click the Clear Disk Cache button. Click OK when the confirmation box comes up.

    6.

On older versions of Netscape Navigator (version 3 and below):

  1. Click on the Options menu, then click on Network Preferences. A dialog box will come up.

  2. Click on the Cache tab.

    3.
  3. In the Cache panel on the right, click the Clear Disk Cache button. Click OK when the confirmation box comes up.

    4.


AOL

  1. Click on the Members menu, click on Preferences.

    2.
  2. Click on the WWW icon.

    3.
  3. Select Advanced and then Purge Cache.

    4.

These steps empty the history list completely, which might raise the suspicions of a computer-savvy abuser. You can refill the history list by simply going to some innocuous sites like www.cnn.com and www.yahoo.com after you have followed the above steps.

Lastly, always dump your recycle/trash bin.

If you don't feel safe please call 9-1-1 or the
National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)