Your online safety is always important. It is especially important when you are experiencing abuse.

Warning:

  • Technology could make it possible for your abuser to see which internet sites you have visited.
  • Email is not a safe or confidential way to talk to someone about the danger or abuse in your life. Please call a telephone hotline instead.
  • Traditional “corded” phones are more private than cell phones or cordless phones.

Explanation:

  • There are hundreds of ways that computers and cell phones record everything you do online or offline. They can provide a lot of information about what you look at on the internet, the emails you send, etc. It is not possible to delete or clear all computer “footprints” and information that you want to keep private.
  • If you are in danger, please try to use a safer computer, meaning one that your abuser cannot access directly, or even remotely (by hacking into it over the internet).
  • It might be safer to use a computer in a public library, a community technology center or some other public computer. When you are done with a public computer, log out of all programs completely (don’t just close the browser window). It’s best to shut down and/or restart the computer.
  • If you think your activities are being monitored, they probably are. Abusers are often controlling and want to know your every move. They don’t need to be a computer programmer or have special skills to monitor another person’s computer or cell phone activities.
  • 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 any computer or cell phone an abuser can access physically or via the internet. Use a safer computer to research an escape plan.

Safe Haven acknowledges the National Network to End Domestic Violence and the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women for this important safety information.

If you are in danger, please call one of the following:

  • 911
  • Safe Haven Shelter 24-hour Crisis Hotline
    • 218-728-6481 (Voice/TDD)
    • 1-877-880-3093 (Toll-Free)
  • Minnesota Day One Crisis Hotline: 1-866-223-1111
  • Your local or regional hotline
  • The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)