There are many 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. A safer computer might be in a public library, at a community technology center www.ctcnet.org (national directory), at a trusted friend’s house, or an Internet Café.

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 monitor someone’s computer activities – anyone can easily find instructions and/or software to monitor computer usage. Consider not using your home computer for internet use, use a "safer" computer.

Computers can provide a lot of information about what you look at on the Internet, the emails you send, and other activities. It is very difficult to delete or clear all computer “footprints”. For more information about clearing usage information see ABA.

Email is not a safe or confidential way to talk to someone about the danger or abuse in your life. Traditional “corded” phones are more private than cell phones or cordless phones.