Safety

Whether or not you’re ready to leave your abuser, there are things you can do to protect yourself.  Do not underestimate your partner. They often get a sense that you may be leaving. Cover your tracks to keep yourself and your children safe. Have an escape plan. Prepare for an emergency. 

DID YOU KNOW...

Phones and computers keep records of usage, so familiarize yourself with what information is being saved. If you are not able to keep your usage from your partner, then DO NOT use devices that your partner has access to. Use a phone or computer at a friend's home, work, the Public Library, or out in the community to get information and help.

Cover Your Tracks On the Computer:

Every website browser keeps a record of websites you have visited.  You have to cover both tracks at the end of each usage in order to make sure that the websites you have visited and any information that you have searched for will be deleted.

• Delete “Cookies” or “Temporary Internet Files”. 
• Delete Browsing History.
• DO NOT favourite any websites.
• DO NOT forget to close all of the windows you have open in your browser.
• DO NOT forget to log out of all areas that require a password such as email, bank account, and social media.

Cover Your Tracks Using Email:

Your email program will save a copy of any sent messages. Make sure to completely remove any emails that your partner might find, or do not use a computer or email box that your partner has access to.

• Go to your folders section of your email to “SENT” and delete all emails that could be at risk right after you send them.
• If you discuss your situation over email with a friend, make sure you delete their emails to you, too.
• This includes mail/messages in any social media such as Facebook.

Cover Your Tracks On Your Home Phone or Cellphone:

When you contact us or any organization assisting women in danger, be careful to use a telephone that does not keep a record of the number you called.

• If you have a memory in your phone, hit redial and then “clear” or “erase” to remove that number from your called list.
• If your phone only stores the last number you called, call a friend after you call for help.
• If you call long distance, the phone numbers will appear on your bill including 1-800 numbers, so make sure to call from a “Safe Line”. 
• If you and your partner share an Internet-based phone system, like VOIP or Skype, do not use this system to call for help unless it is 911.
• Cell phones can also keep records, make sure to delete your call history on your cellphone as well as your text message history.
• Disable "GPS" on cellphone.

If you are not sure if your phone tracks, then the best way is to call for help using a friend's phone, a public phone, a phone from work, or a phone that your partner has no access to.