Internet and Computer Safety

• Remember that all computer and online activity may be monitored.
• Abusers may monitor your emails and internet activity. if you are planning to flee to a particular location, don’t look at classified ads for jobs and apartments, bus tickets, etc. for that place.
• It is safer to use a computer in a public library, at a trusted friend’s house, at an internet cafe, or any other public terminal.
• Abusers may also track your activity and whereabouts through your cell phone; if you think there a chance this may be happening, take your phone into your provider, Apple store, or Best Buy Geek Squad and have it thoroughly checked.
• If your phone has been compromised and you get a new one, do NOT update your phone from the cloud.

Phone and Texting Safety

• Texting is often the preferred method of communication in a relationship.
• It’s low-key and doesn’t involve the pressure that can come with talking face-to-face.
• Nothing can replace face-to-face conversation, but knowing how to text means you’ll be able to communicate effectively and respectfully.

These are things I can do to stay safe online and with my cell phone:

• I will not say or do anything online that I wouldn’t in person.
• I will set all my online profiles to be as private as they can be.
• I will save and keep track of any abusive, threatening, or harassing comments, posts, or texts. I will never give my password to anyone.
• If the abuse and harassment do not stop, I will change my usernames, email addresses, and/or cell phone number.
• I will not answer calls from unknown, blocked, or private numbers.
• I can see if my phone company can block my abuser’s phone number from calling my phone.
• I will not communicate with my abuser using any type of technology if unnecessary since any form of communication can be recorded and possibly used against me in the future.