(Adapted from www.nnedv.org)

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.

• Computers can provide a lot of information about what you look at on the Internet, the emails you send, and other activities. It is not possible to delete or clear all computer “footprints”.
• 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 discover someone’s computer activities - anyone can do it and there are many ways.
• It might be safer to use a computer in a public library, at a Community Technology Center (CTC) (national directory: www.ctcnet.org), at a trusted friend’s house, or an Internet Cafe.
• If you think you may be monitored on your home computer, you might consider not using the Internet at home or “safer” Internet surfing. Example: If you are planning to flee to California, don’t look at classified ads for jobs and apartments, bus tickets, etc for California on a home computer or any computer an abuser has physical or remote access to. Use a safer computer to research an escape plan.