Public Computer Safety
Whenever you use the Internet, your computer’s web browsing software records what websites you have been to. It collects your “history,” which is a list of the sites you’ve visited, and the days when you did so. As well, it stores little files called “cookies” that some websites put on your computer for various reasons. This information allows your partner, or anyone else with access to that computer, to see where you’ve been viewing online.
If you’re afraid of this happening, there are steps you can take to protect your privacy. Your browser should let you erase your history, cookies, cache and other places where website related files are automatically stored. Read these links to learn more about protecting your computer/online privacy:
Protecting Your Privacy on the Internet
However, you need to know that by erasing your history, cache and so on, you are letting others know that you can do this. This might make them suspect you are hiding something. You can try throwing them off by clearing the history and then visiting different, unrelated sites. This will make it less obvious you’ve been looking for information about violence and services that can help.
For even more safety and security, use a public computer, such as those available at public libraries and Internet cafes.
You can never be sure, though, that someone isn’t tracking your computer, mobile phone, tablet or other means of internet access. There is a lot of software available that can let others spy on you. Always be very careful and mindful of your privacy and safety when using the computer!
